The second Dhana Laxmi Maharjan Memorial National Squash Tournament kicks off at the Nepal Rackets and Squash Association (NSRA) court in Satdobato, Lalitpur on Tuesday. 

The tournament will feature competitions in six categories—men’s and women’s open, junior boys’ U-15 and U-19, masters 45-55yrs and veterans’ above 55yrs—said vice president of NSRA Kiran Shrestha.

The event carries a total prize money of Rs 81,000 for top four players in men’s and women’s open and U-15 and U-19 age-group categories. Bhawana Sunwar and Aarhant Keshar Singh are the defending champions in women’s and men’s open.

NSRA President Kishore Maharjan, who is the sponsor of the tournament, will bear all the expenses of the event.

Winners of the age-group events will be have an additional incentive of representing Nepal in the India Junior Squash Championships in Mumbai on August 31-September 3. “We are initiating to take four players to Mumbai,” said Maharjan. “Squash has the  potential to win medal at the Asian level.. 

Maharjan added that the NSRA was planning to shortlist eight best performers of the tournament and provide tham the training for the upcoming Asian Games scheduled in Indonesia from August 18 to September 2 next year. 

“We are coordinating with the National Sports Council (NSC) in this regard,” said Maharjan. NSRA General Secretary Suresh Gurung informed that the Association was currently training 35 players aged between 10 to 17 years old as part of the youth development programme.