Kathmandu: Pradeep Bhandari and Sumana Sapkota have emerged victorious in the men’s and women’s races respectively, organized by Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) to commemorate its anniversary today. The races included a 10-km distance for men and a 5-km distance for women, drawing participants from NOC employees, media personnel, and private sector representatives, with the aim of promoting health awareness through athletics.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Bhandari clinched the top spot in the men’s category by completing the 10-km race in 53 minutes and 10 seconds. The event took place at the Dasharath Stadium in Tripureshwor, where Digambar Pant and Manoj Kumar Das secured second and third places, respectively.
In the women’s category, Sapkota finished first by completing the 5-km race in 32 minutes and 9 seconds. Following her, Sharmila Katuwal and Raj Kumari Rai finished in second and third places, respectively.
The winners were honored with medals and prizes by NOC Executive Director Dr. Chandika Prasad Bhatta and former marathoner Baikuntha Manandhar. Additionally, Bhandari and Sapkota, the top finishers in their respective categories, were awarded 50-gram silver coins.
The competition saw participation from around 130 individuals, including NOC employees, media personnel, and private sector representatives. It was organized in coordination with the NOC’s aviation fuel depot located in Sinamangal.