Keshav Pathak/ Pokhara Sports/ Pradip Khadka of Pokhara has clinched the title of the men’s singles in the 18th Machhapuchhre Bank Pokhara Open and Veterans Tennis Tournament.
Tournament organized by Kaski District Tennis Association, Pradip defeated Arav Samrat Hada 6-3, 6-4 in straight sets to clinch the title with a cash prize of NRs 80,000. With the victory, Pradip has risen to the top seed of Nepal with his back-to-back victory in two tournaments. He was also the champion of the Nepal Army National Tennis competition and also the first runner-up in Ganeshman National Tennis Championship held in Kathmandu last month. Arav, who became the runner-up in the competition, received a medal along with cash NRs 40,000 in cash.
Whereas, Santosh Khatri clinched the singles title in the 35-year-old category. In the final, Santosh defeated Bhishma Gurung 6-0, 6-1 straight set for a comfortable win. The winner Khatri grabbed NRS 60,000 in cash, and the runner-up Gurung received NRs 30,000 including a trophy and medal.
Similarly, Chandra Shahi won the singles title in 45+ years age category. He defended the title by defeating Bimal Kumar Gurung 6-3, 6-2 in straight sets. The winner received NRS Rs 40,000 in cash and the runner-up NRs 20,000 in cash along with a trophy & medal.
Similarly, Himal Shah and Raju Chhetri won the men’s doubles in the 45+ age category. Himal and Raju defeated Binod Kayastha and Vikas Gurung of Pokhara 6-2, 6-2 in straight sets. The winner received a cash prize of Rs 20,000 and the runner-up Rs 10,000 in cash with medals and trophies.
The winners were awarded by Roshan KC, former chairman of Machhapuchhre Bank Ltd., the main sponsor of the competition, Jyoti Rana, president of Nepal Tennis Association, Ranil Faizu, director of Tranquility Spa, sponsor of the competition, Manoj Rana, former president of Nepal Tennis Association and Kiran KC, creator of Surya Prem Tennis Court, Pokhara. The program was chaired by Lok Gurung, president of the organizing association.
