Tamang, who had clinched bronze medal in the women’s individual kata in the Games saving Nepal’s blushes, said that the best reward for her feat would be a job.

“Athletes have a short career span. At the moment I am happy training hard and wining medals but what will happen to me after I retire? This question always nags me,” said Tamang, a grade 11 management student.

“Right now I am extremely busy arranging time for my studies and shape myself as a better player. But in a couple of years, I come to an age where I need to take a job and contribute to my family. This is what I desire apart from playing karate,” said Tamang.

Her future judgment, however, doesn’t mean that the Asiad medallist was not in the mood to appreciate the one-million-rupee reward from the government. “I heard about it in the news and I am extremely glad to be honoured with such a huge reward and that too from the government. It is no doubt a big incentive for me,” said Tamang who has already made up her mind in investing the amount she is supposed to receive.

“I will use the money to help my parents in paying the loan they have taken to raise us in the capital,” informed the 18 year old who originally hails from Dhading.

The teenager claims that rewards like these will make her more resolute in achieving her ultimate dream of winning a gold medal in the next Asian Games. “I have worked really hard to bring glory to my country. And the fact that the nation is recognising me for my hard work will help me strengthen my determination to go even further,” the teen added.

Tamang now seeks a good training environment for future. “In order to come home with the priceless gold medal, I would request the concerned authorities to provide us with excellent training and adequate exposure,” said Tamang.

Meanwhile, NSC Member Secretary Yubaraj Lama on Wednesday informed that his office has drafted a recommendation letter to the Ministry of Youth and Sports to honour Tamang with the reward. “The decision to reward medal winners was endorsed by the cabinet sometime back. We have just begun the procedure. The letter will reach tomorrow (Thursday),” informed Lama.