In the ICC T20 International all-rounder rankings, Nepali captain Dipendra Singh Airey has slipped one position, moving from third to fourth place. According to the data up to Tuesday, the updated list published on Wednesday shows Dipendra maintaining a rating score of 256, although his position has dropped. The Nepali cricket team is preparing to participate in the Asian Games cricket event starting Friday, and their future performance could influence subsequent changes in the rankings.
As of 7 Ashoj, Kathmandu, the captain of the Nepali T20 cricket team, Dipendra Singh Airey, has been ranked one spot lower in the ICC T20 International all-rounder rating. The ICC released the new rankings on Wednesday based on statistics up to Tuesday, placing Dipendra at fourth, down from third place. His rating score remains unchanged at 256.
The Nepali men’s cricket team has not played any T20 international matches recently. The player below Dipendra, Will Jacks, rose to third place after strong performances in the recent T20 series against Sri Lanka, which resulted in Dipendra dropping down.
The Nepali team will participate in the Asian Games cricket competition starting this Friday, and player performances there could lead to further ranking adjustments.
Currently, the top position in the all-rounder rankings is held by Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza, who has a rating of 321. Pakistani player Sayem Ayub holds second place, while Ajmatullah Omarzai is ranked fifth.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is preparing for his first official state visit to the United States in 11 years. However, his first meeting with America took place long before he became China’s most powerful leader. Nearly four decades ago, Xi served as a county official in northern China. During that time, he traveled to the American Midwest to gather information on agricultural conditions. In Iowa, he spent several days learning about farming and stayed with a local family outside the urban area. Chinese state media have highlighted his homestay and friendship with Iowa’s then-Governor Terry Branstad, who later served as the U.S. Ambassador to China under the Trump administration. This personal connection is often linked to the broader US-China relationship.
Today, relations with the United States are very different, shaped by global influence competition, targeted import tariffs, technology restrictions, and military rivalry. At 37 years old, Xi was then a relatively ordinary official; now he stands as China’s paramount leader. In 14 years of leadership, he has transformed both the Communist Party and China’s international position. Xi’s story begins in a privileged environment. Born in Beijing in 1953, he is the sixth child of Xi Zhongxun, a communist revolutionary instrumental in founding the People’s Republic of China. His father rose to senior party leadership and served as Vice Premier.
Xi spent his childhood attending prestigious schools, enjoying special privileges unavailable to most. However, his family later became a target of political persecution. During the 1960s, his father was accused of anti-party activities, exiled, forced to work in a factory, and ultimately expelled from the party. As a so-called “child of an enemy of the party,” Xi was forcibly sent to a re-education center. Following Chairman Mao’s instructions, he spent 15 years living among peasants in rural areas.
He lived for seven years in the remote village of Liangjiahe in China’s western Shanxi province, engaging in farming, carrying manure, and digging trenches. In a 2004 interview, he recalled, “Everyone on the train was wiping tears except me; if I didn’t know better, I would have been crying too.” At age 22, he left the countryside to study chemical engineering at the prestigious Qinghua University. After graduation, he worked as a local official in Fujian and Zhejiang, provinces north of Beijing.
During the 1980s, these provinces experienced rapid economic growth. Due to his father’s status, Xi found it easier to establish his position in the central government and the military, and to build party connections. After serving briefly as Shanghai’s top official in 2007, he joined the Politburo Standing Committee, China’s top policy-making body. Within five years, he succeeded Hu Jintao as the Communist Party’s supreme leader. Xi has transformed China’s economic and political systems in ways few anticipated.
Over his 14-year tenure, China has gained confidence and prosperity. Internationally, he has advanced ambitious projects such as the Belt and Road Initiative, strengthening China’s global presence. He also introduced the concept of the Global South. Meanwhile, relations with major democracies have become contentious. Tensions with the U.S. have increased over the South China Sea and Taiwan.
Domestically, Xi maintains extensive control and enjoys strong political authority. He has implemented strict security and stability measures in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong. Supporters praise these actions as restoring order, while critics argue they severely restrict civil liberties. Xi has introduced a new ideological framework: “Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era – Xi Jinping Thought.”
He removed presidential term limits from the constitution, allowing himself to stay in office beyond the traditional two terms. Chinese state media portray him as a serious and influential figure, though he occasionally shows a lighter, more playful side, including discussing his passion for football. Xi is considered very close to Russian President Vladimir Putin; since taking power, they have met over 40 times, and Xi has called Putin his “closest and most trusted confidant.”
Despite his personal influence and decisive leadership style, Xi prioritizes national interests over personal relationships. This time, he arrives in Washington D.C. as one of the defining political personalities of the 21st century.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is preparing for his first official state visit to the United States in 11 years.
However, their first meeting took place many years ago, long before Xi rose to become China’s most powerful leader.
Nearly four decades ago, Xi was a county-level official in northern China. At that time, he was visiting the American Midwest as part of a fact-finding mission.
During his time in Iowa, he gathered information on agricultural conditions and spent several days living with a local family outside an urban area.
Chinese state media have highlighted Xi’s homestay and friendship with Iowa’s then-Governor Terry Branstad, who later became the U.S. Ambassador to China during the Trump administration. This personal connection is often seen as an element influencing China-U.S. relations.
Today, relations with the United States are very different, shaped by global influence competition, targeted import tariffs, technology controls, and military rivalry.
The 37-year-old Xi is no longer an ordinary official. In his 14 years leading China, he has transformed both the Communist Party and China’s global presence.
The ‘Prince’ Who Lost Everything
Image source, Reuters
Caption, Xi’s family suffered during Mao’s Cultural Revolution crackdown on political enemies from 1966 to 1976
Xi’s story began in a privileged environment.
Born in Beijing in 1953, Xi is the sixth child of Communist revolutionary Xi Zhongxun, who helped found the People’s Republic of China. His father rose to senior party leadership and served as vice premier.
His childhood was spent at prestigious schools with access to privileges that many families did not have.
However, political tides turned against his family.
In the 1960s, Xi’s father was accused of anti-party activities, exiled, forced to work in a factory, and ultimately expelled from the party.
Image source, Getty Images
Caption, Stripped of their property, Xi lived in a cave in a remote mountain village
Labeled a child of an enemy of the party, Xi was forcibly sent to a re-education center. Under Mao’s orders, he spent 15 years living with peasants in the countryside.
In a 2004 interview, he said, “Everyone on the train was wiping their tears; I was the only one smiling. Had I not understood, I would have been crying. Whether I would have survived if I had stayed, I don’t know.”
During his seven years in the remote village of Liangjiahe in Shaanxi province, he farmed, carried manure, and dug ditches.
“Sour vegetables became my favorite dish,” he recalled. “Even now, I love them very much.”
He was shocked by the burden of work and initially struggled with hunger and fatigue, but found some relief in smoking occasionally.
Rise to Power
At 22, he left the village to study chemical engineering at the prestigious Tsinghua University in China.
Upon graduation, Xi served as a local official in the economically booming Fujian and Zhejiang provinces during the 1980s.
His family background helped him establish his place both in the central government and the military, strengthening his ties to the Communist Party.
Many officials would later become direct associates as he rose to party leadership.
Image source, EPA
Caption, Peng Liyuan often accompanies Xi on many foreign trips.
Xi’s first marriage was to the daughter of China’s ambassador to the UK, but it ended within three years.
A mutual friend introduced him to his current wife, Peng Liyuan, a well-known singer in the Chinese military who gained fame for performing during Chinese New Year programs.
By the 1990s, Peng was well recognized among provincial officials in Shaanxi.
She frequently accompanies Xi on his foreign trips, breaking the tradition of the silent ‘first lady.’
Their daughter, Xi Mingze, was born in 1992 and studied at Harvard University in the U.S. Little information about her is publicly available.
After serving a brief period as Shanghai’s top official in 2007, Xi joined the Communist Party’s powerful Politburo Standing Committee. Within five years, he succeeded Hu Jintao as the party’s supreme leader.
He has transformed China’s economic and political systems in ways many did not anticipate.
China Shaped by Xi
During his 14 years in power, China has grown more confident and prosperous.
Internationally, he has advanced projects such as the Belt and Road Initiative to strengthen China’s global presence. He also championed the concept of the Global South.
However, relations with major democratic countries have become strained, especially regarding the South China Sea and Taiwan, leading to heightened tensions with the U.S.
Domestically, Xi has consolidated extensive control, politically strengthening his position.
Under his leadership, strict security and political measures have been implemented in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong. Supporters praise these moves as restoring order, while critics argue they severely restrict civil liberties.
He has introduced a new ideology—”Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era”—an achievement his predecessors could not claim.
Xi removed term limits for the presidency from the constitution, allowing him to remain in office beyond two terms.
Chinese state media portray him as a serious and influential figure, though he sometimes shows a lighter, more humorous side.
He has spoken about his love of football. During discussions with the Thai prime minister, he joked about being disappointed with the Chinese men’s football team’s performance. He also once offered a pint of beer to former UK Prime Minister David Cameron.
He humorously questioned the South Korean president whether there were any security protocols to test Xiaomi phones made in China.
Friend or Foe?
Image source, AFP via Getty Images
Caption, President Xi Jinping with Russian President Vladimir Putin
Xi’s relationships with foreign leaders reflect the priorities of China’s overall foreign policy, sometimes close, other times distant.
He is considered closest to Russian President Vladimir Putin; they have met over 40 times since coming to power, and Xi has called Putin his “closest confidant.”
His relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump was more complicated. Despite trade conflicts, Trump often spoke of Xi in a friendly tone and praised his political strength.
Early on, Xi sought to establish personal diplomatic ties with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. There have been informal talks and meetings between the two Asian powers.
However, a border clash in 2020 caused relations to deteriorate to their worst in decades.
Despite his personal influence and decision-making capabilities, Xi prioritizes national interests over personal relationships.
Xi is not just the curious junior official who once toured Iowa farms. This time, he will arrive in Washington D.C. as one of the most decisive political figures of the 21st century.
You can also watch news on our YouTube channel. Click here. All content is also available on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Additionally, the Nepali service’s program airs on radio from Monday to Friday at 8:45 PM.
A Sri Lankan court has found 15 individuals guilty for their involvement in the planning and preparation of the 2019 Easter bombings, while acquitting nine others. The attacks, which occurred on April 21, 2019, targeted three churches and three hotels, resulting in 267 deaths and 574 injuries. The court ordered the confiscation of the convicted individuals’ properties and handed down prison sentences ranging from 200 to 260 years for some.
During the Colombo trial, the court convicted 15 people and acquitted nine. The attacks were carried out by suicide bombers linked to the Islamic State, striking three churches and three hotels, killing 267 people, including 42 foreign nationals. All perpetrators involved in the attacks have since died.
The court’s sentence includes prison terms between 200 and 260 years. Religious leader Muhammad Ibrahim Mohamed Naufer received a 22-year sentence, while Muhammad Ibrahim Sadik Abdullah was sentenced to 240 years in prison. Those convicted retain the right to appeal to the Supreme Court.
The Catholic Church welcomed the verdict but noted that questions remain about the masterminds behind the attacks. Church spokesperson Reverend Jude Krisantha Fernando expressed hope that the decision would help prevent similar incidents in the future. Another priest, Reverend Dilan Perera, emphasized that Sri Lanka’s multicultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious society makes violence committed in the name of religion unacceptable.
Footballer Mohamed Salah has been banned from driving for six months due to failing to disclose the identity of the driver. On March 27, a speed camera in Wilmslow, Cheshire, recorded Salah’s Rolls-Royce traveling at 36 mph (approximately 58 km/h) in a 30 mph speed zone. According to court documents, when the police requested the identity of the person driving the vehicle, the 34-year-old Salah did not provide any information or statements related to the prosecution.
At a hearing in Warrington Joint Court, Salah was ordered to pay a fine of £1,044 alongside a six-month driving ban. A court spokesperson stated that the case was handled under the ‘Single Justice Procedure,’ where a magistrate makes a private decision without a public hearing. Salah was found guilty of failing to identify the driver of the vehicle. This incident occurred just days after Salah announced his departure from Liverpool, where he had spent nine years. He declared on March 24 that he would be leaving the club. During his time at Liverpool, Salah played 442 matches and scored 257 goals. He is set to join Turkey’s Trabzonspor club after the 2025–26 season.
US President Donald Trump described the talks between American and Iranian representatives at the United Nations as “very good,” which led to a drop in crude oil prices in the international market.
During Asian trading, Brent crude fell to $98.91 and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) dropped to $89.93 per barrel.
Trump called the three-hour US-Iran meeting “very good” and “extremely productive” during his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
October 7, New York (RASS/AFP) – Oil prices declined Wednesday in international markets after US President Donald Trump announced that the talks between US and Iranian representatives at the United Nations had been “very good.”
During early trading in the Asian markets, the international benchmark Brent crude price fell to $98.91 per barrel, while the key US crude benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) traded at $89.93. Since the conflict began in the Middle East in February, oil prices had repeatedly surpassed $100 per barrel, but have recently fallen below that level.
Speaking during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump described the three-hour US-Iran session as “very good” and “extremely fruitful,” adding that another meeting between the two sides is planned for the near future.
Trump’s remarks came just hours after he took a firm stance on Iran at the United Nations General Assembly, stating he faces a major decision to either negotiate with Iran or “end the Islamic Republic soon.”
Tensions between the US and Iran remain high nearly seven months into the conflict triggered by attacks on Tehran by the US and Israel. Iran continues to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed, while the US maintains a blockade of Iranian ports.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has resumed operations on its East-West pipeline, which had been shut due to the conflict. This pipeline is a critical route for Saudi Arabian oil exports bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.
Saudi Arabia had earlier closed the pipeline after drones launched from Iraq targeted it. According to Bloomberg, Saudi Arabia is preparing to restart oil exports from the pipeline later this week.
Growing Enthusiasm in AI Sector
Alongside the oil market developments, Asian stock markets showed mixed results on Wednesday. Taiwan’s TAIEX index rose 0.8 percent. The growing investment and enthusiasm in artificial intelligence (AI) in Taiwan, home to the major chipmaker TSMC, influenced the market. On Tuesday, Anthropic and OpenAI released new, comparatively more affordable AI models within hours of each other—an area previously cautioned by leading firms to slow down AI development.
Meta, Facebook’s parent company, has also increased its AI efforts. After launching its free AI agent ‘Muse,’ Meta’s stock surged 11 percent. The AI agent is said to assist in tasks such as booking travel, sending emails, and online shopping.
Meanwhile, investor attention is also focused on the upcoming summit between US President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday. Expectations are that trade issues, tariffs, and long-standing trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies will dominate discussions. Analyst Kyle Rodda noted that US-China talks could impact the conflict in the Middle East and contain important cooperation the US might receive from China regarding Iran. He also stated that competition and development in AI technology will be another major topic.
Summary: In the men’s 60 kg boxing event at the Asian Games, Nepal’s Khagendra Rokamagar defeated Macau’s Alvin Jimenzium with a 5–0 unanimous decision to advance to the round of 16. In Wednesday’s preliminary bout, Khagendra secured victory by earning higher points from all judges in all three rounds. Kathmandu, October 7—At the 20th Asian Games, Nepal’s Khagendra Rokamagar has reached the round of 16 in the men’s 60 kg boxing category. In the preliminary round held Wednesday at the Nishio Gymnasium, Khagendra defeated Macau’s Alvin John Reyes Salinas by a unanimous 5–0 decision. Khagendra earned higher points from all five judges in each of the three rounds. In the first round, all judges favored him 10–9. In the second round, four judges scored 10–9 and one judge scored 10–8 in his favor. The third round also saw all five judges awarding him 10–9. During the match, Khagendra received one warning. With this victory, Khagendra advances to the men’s 60 kg round of 16, with his next fight scheduled for Friday.
At the United Nations General Assembly, US President Donald Trump reiterated his warning to push Iran into hell and bring down the Islamic Republic. He called for preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, stopping its support for terrorism, and isolating it economically from the international community. Following Trump’s declaration of Cuba’s communist government as a failed state, both the Iranian and Cuban delegations walked out of the General Assembly hall. Kathmandu, 7 Ashoj. Earlier on the night of April 7, Trump had issued a stern warning against Iran, stating on the social media platform Truth Social, ‘Tonight will mark the end of an entire civilization that will never return. I do not wish for this to happen, but it possibly will.’ This warning was not well received by either his critics or supporters.
Trump presented two options regarding Iran: either rebuilding relations through agreements or “destroying the Islamic Republic.” He asked rhetorically, ‘Should I push them into hell with no chance of survival?’ However, Trump also hinted at the possibility of negotiating an agreement with Iran after the US midterm elections. He noted that Iran is patiently awaiting the outcome of those elections. Alongside his aggressive remarks against the Iranian regime, Trump reiterated his commitment to never allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons.
During Trump’s address, the Iranian delegation boycotted and left the General Assembly hall. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi highlighted issues concerning diplomatic engagement and trust surrounding the Assembly. Similarly, after Trump labeled Cuba’s communist government a failed state, the Cuban delegation also exited the assembly hall. Trump stated, ‘My administration seeks fundamental change in Cuba’s status, where the communist regime is under unprecedented pressure in history.’
Speaking at the UN General Assembly for the last time as France’s President, Emmanuel Macron urged the United Nations to become a strong shield against a world governed by “the law of the jungle.” He said, ‘It is our duty at this time to stand united in favor of the United Nations to collectively determine what our shared interests are.’
Nepal claimed its first medal at the ongoing 20th Asian Games in Japan. Karate athlete Tenzing Sherpa won the bronze medal in the men’s kumite over 84 kg weight category. In the bronze medal match, Tenzing dominated Laos’ Vathana Jayasone with a decisive 9–1 victory. (7 Ashoj, Kathmandu)
In the semifinals held Wednesday at Toyohashi Gymnasium, Tenzing was defeated 5–0 by Iran’s Mahmoud Nemati. Following the semifinal loss, he competed for the bronze medal, overwhelming Vathana Jayasone of Laos 9–1. Tenzing earned 6 points from yuko and 3 points from ippon during the match.
Previously, in the quarterfinals, Tenzing was trailing 1–0 against a Macau athlete but was declared the winner due to an opponent’s fault. With this achievement, Nepal has officially opened its medal tally at the ongoing Asian Games.
At the 20th Asian Games, Nepalese karateka Tenzing Sherpa won the country’s first medal in karate. Competing in the kumite event for the over 84 kg weight category in Nagoya, Japan, Sherpa defeated a competitor from Laos by a commanding 9-1 score to claim the bronze medal. He had previously been defeated by an Iranian athlete in the semifinals.
Despite several anticipated medal contenders in karate being eliminated earlier, the final competitions took place on Wednesday morning. Tenzing Sherpa advanced by narrowly defeating Macau’s Leon On Tak 1-0 in the quarterfinals. However, he was stopped in the semifinals by Iran’s Mahmoud Nemati, who won 5-0. Sherpa then secured the bronze medal through the repechage round by convincingly defeating Laos’ Vatthana Jaysane 9-1.
Following his victory, Sherpa expressed delight at opening Nepal’s medal tally. A regular member of the Nepal national karate team, Sherpa had previously won the gold medal in the over 84 kg weight division at the 10th South Asian Karate Championship held in Sri Lanka last year. Nepal has fielded 135 athletes across 21 sports at the Games, but most of the competitors have already been eliminated. Nonetheless, the women’s kabaddi team still retains a possibility of winning a medal.
Much hope was placed on karate silver medalist from the previous Asian Games, Erica Gurung, but she remained medalless this time. Although three karate athletes reached the semifinals, none secured a medal. This has raised concerns over Nepal potentially ending the Games without any medals. Since the 1986 Asian Games, Nepal has consistently earned medals. In preparation for the Games, Nepal launched an ambitious program called ‘Mission 2026’ three years ago, focusing on regular training and development of athletes.
In his address to the United Nations General Assembly, U.S. President Donald Trump launched a fierce attack against Iran. During his speech on Tuesday, he strongly criticized Iran’s policies. Trump asserted that the United States has taken aggressive action to stop Iran after allowing it to accumulate power for a long time, which he claims has aided the spread of terrorism. He further claimed that the U.S. has successfully obstructed Iran’s “race to develop a nuclear bomb under the guise of ballistic missiles.”
“Had they succeeded, that evil regime would have been free to spread terror and death forever,” Trump stated. He accused the Iranian regime of ruling through bloodshed and mass killings for the past 51 years, creating death, violence, and chaos in the Middle East and beyond. Trump expressed his determination not to allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons.
Trump recounted that immediately after assuming the presidency, he initiated talks with Iran, proposing full economic cooperation on the condition that Iran end its nuclear program and cease supporting terrorism. However, he claimed that Iran rejected the proposal. Calling for Iran to be economically isolated, Trump urged the global community to fully sever economic ties with Iran. He declared that economic sanctions would remain in place until Iran stopped attacks on commercial shipping, abandoned its nuclear ambitions, and ended support for terrorism.
When asked why the Iranian regime is becoming aggressive, Trump explained it is not due to strength or confidence but because it is “weak and desperate.” He posed the question, “Destroy or negotiate?” asking whether the international community should negotiate with Iran to offer opportunities for reconstruction and prosperity or dismantle the Islamic Republic. He added, “Should I push them into hell to prevent them from surviving?” Nevertheless, Trump indicated that a deal with Iran might be possible after the U.S. midterm elections. He noted that Iran is awaiting the election results in November. “They don’t understand—I am not running in the election,” Trump said. He emphasized he has already won the presidency by a “large margin” and that the November elections will not change his Iran policy.
The Madan Bhandari Cup International Invitational Running Shield Men’s Volleyball Tournament will be held in Butwal from October 29 to November 3. The organizers have announced that eight teams from Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka will participate. The winning team will receive the running shield along with a prize of NPR 700,000, while the runners-up will be awarded NPR 350,000.
This second edition of the “Madan Bhandari Cup International Invitational Running Shield Men’s Volleyball Tournament–2083” will take place in Butwal, Lumbini Province. Organized by the Madan Bhandari Sports Academy, the Nepalese teams competing include Nepal Police Club, Nepal APF Club, Manimukund Volleyball Club, Sabhapokhari Volleyball Club (Sankhuwasabha), and Galkot Volleyball Club. From India, Gujarat State Volleyball Association and Khaira Club Punjab will participate, along with the Police team from Sri Lanka.
The eight participating teams will be divided into two groups, with the top two teams from the group stage advancing to the semifinals. The champions will receive the running shield and a cash prize of NPR 700,000, the runners-up NPR 350,000, the third-place team NPR 175,000, and a consolation prize of NPR 75,000 will be awarded. The best player of the tournament will receive NPR 15,000.
The Madan Bhandari Sports Academy has previously conducted multi-dimensional sports activities. From next year, there are plans to broaden the tournament further by inviting teams from larger countries. The first edition of the tournament was won by Tribhuvan Army Club.
During the United Nations General Assembly, U.S. President Donald Trump described Cuba as a “failed state,” prompting the Cuban delegation to leave the assembly in protest. While Trump was delivering his speech, members of the Cuban delegation stood up and exited the hall to express their dissent.
U.S. President Donald Trump recently addressed the United Nations General Assembly. During his speech, controversy arose prompting the Iranian and Cuban delegations to boycott his address by leaving the assembly hall. Delegates from both countries exited the chamber in protest.
During his remarks, Trump stated that his administration was aiming to “fundamentally change” the situation in Cuba. Describing Cuba as governed by a communist regime under significant pressure, he declared, “It is a failed state, in the worst condition, and will eventually collapse.” Trump also asserted that communism would never come to America, but freedom would surely come to Cuba. These statements led the Cuban delegation to depart from the General Assembly hall.
Similarly, when Trump spoke about repeated U.S. military actions against Iran, the Iranian delegation left the General Assembly hall as well. Members of the Iranian delegation exited one by one during the discussion of American military strikes on Iran, leaving only a low-level staff member present in the chamber. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had traveled to New York to participate in the annual General Assembly but were absent from the main assembly hall during the U.S. president’s speech.
At the 20th Asian Games, Nepal’s Ivana Thapa was defeated in the opening round of the women’s singles table tennis competition. She lost to Uzbekistan’s Aruzhan Kamalova by a clear 4-0 margin. The match took place on Wednesday at Sky Hall Toyota, where Ivana fell with set scores of 11-3, 11-6, 11-2, and 11-8. This loss marked the end of her journey in the women’s singles event.
Additionally, Ivana, paired with Rubin Maharjan in the mixed doubles category, was also eliminated in the second round. The competitions held on October 7 in Kathmandu saw her exit early in both events.
During the women’s singles match, Ivana couldn’t advance beyond the first set, concluding her participation after dropping sets at 11-3, 11-6, 11-2, and 11-8 respectively. Her mixed doubles pairing with Rubin Maharjan had previously been ousted in the second round of the tournament.
