Nepal Army on Sunday felicitated its athletes associated with Tribhuvan Army Club for their achievements in different international events of ultra trail marathon.

Seven ultra runners who won different international competition held in various countries were felicitated with cash incentives and certificates by Chief of Army Staffs General Rajedra Chhettri amid a special ceremony held in Army Headquarters. Among the awardees was Army Warrant Officer Samir Tamang who has got medals in six events since 2013 including three gold. He was the winner of Luntau Hong Kong 100 km race, MSIG Hong Kong and Austria 50 km race while got second in one event and third in two international races.

Another ultra runner Tirtha Bahadur Tamang warrant officer with the Army also got medals in six international events which included first position in five. He got gold medal in Dali City China, Oxfarm Trail Walker Hong Kong, Vibram Hong Kong, Serzeenal Marathon Switzerland and UTMR Italy and Switzerland held since 2013. He also secured bronze in another international event held in Italy.

Nepal Army Sergeant Bhim Bahadur Gurung who got gold in five international events and silver in another was also felicitated in the programme. He secured the first position on World Series Sky Running in China, Oxfarm Trial Walker Hong Kong, Sky Running in Italy, Ultra Trail Sky Running in France and World Series Salmon.

Similarly, Army Warrant Officer Purna Tamang won gold in North Face Hong Kong Marthoon while stood second and third in two other international event. Bed Bahadur Sunuwar associated with the Club got gold in Oxfarm Trail Walker Marathon Hong Kong and Asian Mountain Marathon while securing third in MSIG marathon Hong Kong.

Sergeant Uttam Khatri was felicitated for winning two golds on Oxfarm Trailer Walker marathon in 2013 and 2014.  Only women runner to be felicitated was Rejina Bhandari Private at Nepal Army. She had won gold in 64-km Ultra Marathon Running in Switzerland and Trubelstock Ultra Marathon in Switzerland.

“This is not just the pride of Nepal Army but of the entire nation,” said General Chhetri in the programme adding NA will provide any support they need to further their career in athletics.