The family of former Nepal No 1 cyclist Narayan Gopal Maharjan, who passed away in an accident on June 30 during a cycling event in Sri Lanka, was handed over insurance amount on Monday.

National Sports Council (NSC) had insured all the players who had participated in the recently concluded Asian Games in Indonesia from NLG Insurance Company Limited. Maharjan, who was selected to represent Nepal in the Games, died prior to his participation in a mishap during the Rumble in the Jungle event. Maharjan was swept to death after falling into Mahaweli river at Kuda Oya, 230 kilometres southwest of Colombo.

NSC Member Secretary Keshav Kumar Bista and NLG Department Head Anal Gautam handed over a cheque for Rs 700,000 to the cyclist’s mother Maiya Maharjan Shrestha at the NSC premises. The insurance policy was taken six days before Maharjan was found dead in the cycling event. NSC had also insured the players who had participated in the 12th South Asian Games held in India two years ago.

Maharjan, who was 33 when he passed away, had participated in different cycling events in his 12-year long career winning 14 gold, 13 silver and 12 bronze medals. The unmarried Maharjan left behind his mother, father and two sisters. NSC member secretary Bista said the supreme body of Nepali sports is also initiating to collect more assistance for the Maharjan family.

Meanwhile, Nepal Cycling Association (NCA) also provided financial assistance to Maharjan family during the programme. NCA President Gopal Sundar Lal Kakshyapati handed over Rs 125,000 to the mother of the deceased.