Chitwan:The Chitwan Rhinos cricket club, located in a region famous for its unique one-horned rhinoceros population, has committed to supporting rhinoceros conservation efforts. The club is dedicating five percent of merchandise sales revenue, such as t-shirts and related items, to initiatives aimed at conserving this rare species.
According to National News Agency RSS, the Chitwan Rhinos club, a sister organization of Chitwan Medical College, has been promoting the Chitwan region and its iconic rhinoceros through participation in cricket, specifically in the Nepal Premium League (NPL) for the third consecutive season. Ayush Neupane, the President of Chitwan Rhinos Sports Club, highlighted the club’s natural obligation to contribute to rhinoceros preservation, given its name’s direct reference to the animal.
The club incorporates imagery of the one-horned rhinoceros in its communications, aiming to raise awareness and introduce the rhinoceros population of Chitwan National Park to international tourism audiences. In previous NPL seasons, Chitwan Rhinos achieved fourth place in the inaugural edition and seventh place in the subsequent one. Club director Pratap Devkota has expressed ambitions for the team to win the championship and has arranged for live broadcasts at various district locations, including Birendra Campus Chowk, Bishal Chowk, and Chitwan Spicy Herb at Dipendra Chowk.
Devkota also mentioned the club’s commitment to conservation, support for community cricket initiatives, humanitarian aid to Bhotekoshi flood victims, and sponsorship of local music events. Narayan Prasad Adhikari, Head of the District Coordination Committee in Chitwan, emphasized the significance of the club’s status as one of eight nationwide, noting the role of sports in fostering discipline and public engagement.
As the third NPL season kicks off today, the Chitwan Rhinos venue is buzzing with excitement, drawing fans to hotels, restaurants, and public spaces adorned with banners featuring the club’s emblem. The championship winner will receive Rs. 15 million, while the runner-up will be awarded Rs. 8 million. This year marks the first time the International Cricket Council (ICC) has granted international recognition to the NPL.