Loss of situational awareness led to NA crash: Report

 Loss of situational awareness led to thecrash of Nepal Airlines Twin Otter in Masinelek in Argakhanchi District in February 2014 that killed 18 people onboard including three crew members, according to an investigation report released on Thursday.

“The pilot flew inadvertently into a whiteout, losing situational awareness and control of the aircraft following which the aircraft hit the terrain at an altitude of 7,190 ft,” stated the report submitted by government panel formed to investigate the crash .

The Canadian-made 9N-ABB, DHC-300 Twin Otter initially chopped a small tree and than hit the sloppy ridge with huge impact. “The nature of the crash was—Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT). This means, an airworthy aircraft, under pilot control, unintentionally hit the terrain,” the report added.

The report , however, ruled out initial speculation that the aircraft sustained an icing problem as the minimum temperature outside was zero Degree Celsius and there is a possibility of icing at only minus 15 Degree Celsius. The report also ruled out engine failure and other likely causes like pilots fatigue.  

Aircraft was completely damaged and wreckages were scattered around 2 kilometers over and beyond the hill. The site was located on Feb 17, a day after the crash .

Conference on population and development planning

 President Ram Baran Yadav has emphasised that development efforts should be in line with the distribution and demands of the population .

Addressing the inauguration function of National Population Conference in the Capital on Thursday, the President spoke of the challenges raised by shifting demographic structure, and urged the concerned sides to bring policies to address the issue.  

Prof Bal Kumar KC, founder of the Central Department of Population Studies TU (CDPS/TU), said although remittance contributes about 25 percent of GDP in the country, the migration of women and children both within and outside the country for various purposes has added challenges to Nepali policy makers. He also shed a light on the population issues in the 21st century.

Ram Sharan Pathak, the chairman of the organising committee, said the conference has brought together policy makers, academicians, researchers, implementers, development practitioners and other stakeholders to form a collaborative network, share research findings and to explore, discuss and advocate emerging issues on population and development.

Praveen Mishra, secretary of the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), presided over the inaugural session of the conference, where he shared that one percent investment in women gives 11 percent returns as output.    

A total of 108 papers have been selected for the conference for presentation on 15 themes on population and development, including fertility, migration, population ageing and gender.  

The three-day conferene is jointly organised by the MoHP, CDPS/TU, Population Association of Nepal, Centre for Research on Environment Health and Population Activities, Family Planning Association Nepal and United Nations Population Fund (UNFP).

“I heard a wonderful statement recently: data are key not only to show results but also to inspire them. My hope is that this conference and the data it is generating will be a true inspiration for policy makers and planners,” said Giulia Vallese, UNFPA Representative.

The first ever national population conference comes at a crucial time as Nepal is facing migration, family planning stagnation and gender based violence to name a few, she said.

Indian PM picks Bhutan for first foreign visit

 Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake his first visit to Bhutan, possibly in the third week of this month.

Indian Express reported online on Thursday that an official team will be leaving for Thimphu on Friday to set up the visit and work out the relevant logistics.

The decision was taken over the past few days during which Modi's tour calender was worked out, the Indian daily said citing government sources.

There was much speculations that Nepal would be Modi's first choice, given that PM Sushil Koirala had made a strong pitch for an early visit when the two met after his inauguration as new Indian PM.

The BJP leader is said to be interested in visiting Pashupatinath temple.

No Indian PM has come to Nepal on a proper bilateral visit since Indra Kumar Gujral's visit in the late 1990s. Nepal will now have to wait until November to welcome Modi when the country hosts the 18th Saarc Summit.

Budhathoki sends TAC in semis

 Tek Bahadur Budhathoki scored a brace as Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) advanced to the semi-finals of the Ganesh Man Singh Gold Cup football tournament with a 3-1 victory over Sunachu Club of Sikkim on Monday.

TAC will now take on the winner of the match between African United and Simrik Saraswoti in the semi-finals. TAC dominated right from the kick off before taking a 21st minute lead. National team forward Bharat Khawas missed three clear chances but made up of the misses by setting up all three goals for the departmental team.

Khawas fed Budhathoki inside the area, who made no mistake in scoring the goal. Four minutes later Khawas assisted Navayug Shrestha from the area and midfielder slotted home with a tap in effort.

In the only chance for Sunachu in the first half, captain Sajan Chhetri had the perfect opportunity to get his team back into the game. But he lost his footing after beating the last TAC defense.

Sunachu were still at the receiving end in the second half with the Armymen quickly getting their third goal. Man-of-the-match Budhathoki completed his brace just five minutes after resumption and Khawas was once again the provider. Inpunghang Subba pulled back a goal back for the visitors but by then it was too late for the visitors.

TAC’s coach Megh Raj KC said his players were not able to play their natural game due to extreme heat. “It was too hot in the middle making my boys difficult to perform up to their potential. We had a weaker opponent and that made the match easier for us,” said KC. Nepal Police Club will take on CFC Bhutan on Tuesday.

Khadka, Bohra win Poy Awards

 National cricket team skipper Paras Khadka stood tall to claim the Male Player of the Year (PoY) award, while judoka Sunita Bohra was declared female PoY of the Pulsar Sports Award on Monday.

Khadka got the better of his teammates left-arm spinner Basanta Regmi and Subash Khakurel, sprinter Yam Sajan Sunar and golfer Shiva Ram Shrestha for his third PoY award. Sunita claimed the female honour ahead of Sofia Shah of swimming, Dil Maya Karki of athletics, Sita Rana Magar of cricket and Tara Devi Pun of weightlifting.

Pubudu Dassanayake won the coach of the year and footballer Bimal Gharti Magar was named the youth player of the year. Baikuntha Manandhar presented with the Lifetime Achievement, national cricketer Sharad with the Special Award and taekwondo player Yadav Kunwar with the Para-athlete of the year honour.

Organisers Nepal Sports Journalist Forum (NSJF) had already declared the winners of the Lifetime Achievement, Special and Para-athlete awards. Spiker Saraswoti Chaudhary of Nepal APF Club won the Popular PoY with a whopping margin where she sidelined Khadka, Shah, Sunar and Gharti Magar. National cricket team was honoured with the Team of the Year award for their run on to the maiden ICC World Twenty20.

Khadka had a splendid year leading Nepal to their first ever World Twenty20 in Bangladesh where he shone both on and off the field. The road to the award, however, was tough for him as he wa up against teammates Regmi and Khakurel who were equally good in the run on to Bangladesh. Regmi had 49 wickets in the Nepali calendar year and Khakurel had been one of the most consistent performers in the four tournaments he played for Nepal.

Khadka had not only performed with the bat but also delivered with the ball and his exemplary leadership was key to his winning the coveted award. “This is the day all Nepali players await eagerly,” said Khadka.

“I would like to dedicate this award to all my team members. Last two years have been really successful for Nepali cricket. Nepal played the World Cup and we want the country to be in every World Cup. Keep on supporting us and we will do our best to reach at the higher level,” said the 26-year old Khadka.

Bohra was the lone gold medallist from hosts Nepal in the seventh South Asian Judo Championship and said it was a great feeling to win the event. “I am happy. This was possible only because of the support from everyone: my family, coaches and Nepal Judo Association,” said Bohra.

Dassanayake, who guided Nepal to World Twenty20, Division 3 title and a third-place finish in the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifiers, also won second consecutive coach of the year award in what was his third nomination. Dassanayake has never missed out of the Sports Award nomination since taking over the reins of Nepali cricket in 2011. “I am winning it (the Sports  Award) for the second time. But this is the first time that I have been present in this ceremony and its great to be here,” said Dassanayake.

In a tough selection for youth category award, Gharti Magar edged national team cricketers Som Pal Kami and Avinash Karn along with Asian Junior Wushu Championship bronze winner Bishal Thapa Sinjali and record holder swimmer Sirish Gurung.

Gharti Magar is tipped as a future star of Nepali football who shot to fame with a last gasp equaliser against Pakistan in the eighth SAFF Championship held in Nepal. That goal made him the youngest scorer of the national team. He also led Nepal to AFC U-16 Championship final and a runner-up finish in the SAFF U-16 Championship.

Khadka was nominated in the Popular PoY for second year in a row but once again returned empty handed with just seven per cent of votes in the award decided through SMS polls and facebook likes. Chaudhary earned 67 per cent of total votes, while Shah was distant second with 14 per cent. The male, female and popular player of the year award winner received Pulsar motorbikes, while the other category winners grabbed a purse of Rs 50,000 each.

The glittering ceremony at the Nepal Academy Hall featured martial arts show with 3D effects, live performance from singer Nima Rumba, stand-up comedy by Raja Rajendra, live band performance by swimmer Sirish Gurung and a mix of wushu moves and hip hip dance.

Pulsar Sports Award winners

-    Male: Paras Khadka (cricket)

-     Female: Sunita Bohra (judo)

-     Youth: Bimal Gharti Magar (football)

-    Coach: Pubudu Dassanayake (cricket)

-     Lifetime Achievement: Baikuntha Manandhar (athletics)

-    Special: Sharad Vesawkar (cricket)

-     Para-athlete: Yadav Kunwar (taekwondo)

-     Popular:    Saraswoti Chaudhary (volleyball)

NPC march into semis

 Nepal Police Club (NPC) hammered CFC Bhutan 5-0 to advance to the semi-finals of the first Ganesh Man Singh Gold Cup football tournament here on Tuesday.

Midfielder Ganesh Khadka struck twice while Bhola Silwal, skipper Jumanu Rai and Dipesh Shrestha added one goal apiece for the departmental team. NPC scored the first two goals on controversial fashion. Khadka, who appeared yards in front of the CFC last defender Ringen Dorje, collected a pass from skipper Rai to slot home the goal early in the 10th minute. Silwal doubled the NPC tally in the 20th minute, again the midfielder appearing to be in a clearly offside position.

Rai made it 3-0 in the 32 minute, the forward scoring in a rebound after his penalty kick was blocked by CFC keeper Sandip Yonjan. NPC were awarded the spot kick after Dipen Lama tripped Khadka. Khadka added his second and the team’s fourth goal in the 58th minute before NPC rubbed further salts to the CFC wounds when Shrestha struck the fifth goal seven minutes from time.

Dynamic Djokovic marches into last four in Paris

 Novak Djokovic proved too hot to handle for Canadian outsider Milos Raonic as the Serb qualified for the French Open semi-finals for the sixth time with a clinical 7-5 7-6 (5) 6-4 victory on Tuesday.

The world number two, chasing the only grand slam title to elude him, next meets 18th-seeded Latvian Ernests Gulbis.

Raonic went close against Djokovic on clay in the Rome Masters semi-finals last month, losing 6-7 (5) 7-6 (4) 6-3, but this time the Serb played better.

"It's never smooth against Milos or any server of his calibre," Djokovic told reporters. "It was important to get the first set under my belt. Even though it was a straight-sets win, only a few points here and there decided the winner.

"Against such a player you have to wait for your opportunities and when they're presented to you, you'd better take them."

 A couple of double faults in the 11th game put Raonic under pressure and Djokovic took full advantage, grabbing the opening set after unsettling his opponent with a dipping backhand.

The Serb, who now has a 3-0 record against Raonic, then took the second-set tiebreak when his rival missed a backhand.

The Canadian trailed 4-0 in the third set before retrieving one of the two breaks of serve.

Djokovic, however, ended the contest on his first match point when Raonic, the first Canadian male to reach the last eight of a grand slam in the professional era, sent a forehand wide.

"It is complicated to play against him because he has a great serve, powerful and accurate, difficult to anticipate," said Djokovic. "It was important to be mentally strong and consistent."

Raonic said there was a subtle difference between their meetings in Rome and Paris.

"I think where he stood out today compared to Rome was he was playing a lot closer to the baseline, he was not letting me dictate as much," the Canadian explained.

The world number two, who has only reached the final here once before when he lost to eight-times champion Rafa Nadal in 2012, dropped his serve just once, in the final set when victory was virtually assured.

Gulbis followed up his surprise win over Roger Federer in the last 16 by knocking out sixth-seeded Czech Tomas Berdych in straight sets on Tuesday.

"He is a very good player and to beat Roger and Berdych is impressive," said Djokovic. "He has been playing his best tennis, it will be difficult for me."

NPL Twenty20 put on hold

- The Twenty20 tournament under the Ncell Nepal Premier League (NPL) has been postponed for an indefinite period on Wednesday.

Event Managers Zohra Sports Management (ZSM) announced that the Twenty20 has been put on hold due to technical reasons. On Sunday, ZSM said the event was pushed back to three days for June 7 start. The T20 event was originally scheduled for June 4-14 at the Tribhuvan University Stadium grounds.

ZSM Managing Director Aamir Akhtar issued a statement on Wednesday saying the demand of more preparation time by the owners and ongoing strike of the TU ground staff was the reason behind further postponement.”The owners need more time for preparations, promotions and acquiring overseas players so I am consulting for  a new dates that shall be revealed soon,” read the release issued by ZSM.

“The strike of the TU ground staff is another reason behind postponing the League.” The NPL includes six corporate teams all led by national team cricketers. Vishal Group Warriors, Jagdamba Giants, Sagar-matha Legends, Kantipur Gurkhas, Colors X-Factors and Panchakanya Tej are six franchises owned by different corporate houses.

cheema cards sizzling 64

Indian pro Angad Cheema capitalised on a perfect scoring conditions to take the first round lead in the Surya Nepal Masters with a sizzling eight-under 64 here on Wednesday.

One stroke behind Cheema was another Indian pro Vinod Kumar, who led his team to victory in the Pro-Am event on Tuesday. A shot adrift was the former champion Shamim Khan, who returned with six-under 66 at the Gokarna Golf Course.

Keeping the Nepal flag flying was the defending champion and Nepal No 1 Shiva ram Shrestha, who was in a group of five tied for fourth at five-under 67. Others to also finish at 67 were Shankar Das, Ranjit Singh and Karan Taunk and Gaurav Ghei.

There was further joy for the home nation with Sanjay Lama carding 67 and Bikash Bogati, a product of the Surya Nepal Youth Development Programme, taking the amateur lead with a well-compiled round of 69. Bishnu Sharma and Sanjeev CK shot 72s to be sharing the second place in the amateur category. 

Nepali pros Surya Prasad Sharma (71), the 2007 champion Deepak Thapa Magar (72), Purna Sharma (73), Rabi Khadka (74) and Toran Shahi (74) are also in positions to make the cut. The best Bangladeshi on show was Md Zamal Hossain Mollah who carded even-par of 72 while N Thangaraja of Sri Lanka shot a miserable seven-over 79.

The first round leader Cheema sank nine birdies with his only blemish coming on the 17th hole. After a sedate start of two pars, Cheema reeled off birdies on the third and fourth holes before hitting a real purple patch sinking birdied on the seventh, eighth, 10th, 11th, 12th, 14th and 18th. 

Kumar was equally impressive as he had seven birdies and an eagle against bogeys on the ninth and the par-3 16th hole. Shiva ram, a 10th tee starter, was four-under for his first three holes and after a bogey on the shot 13th he parred in for his first nine to be at three under. 

On the back nine, Shiva Ram sank an eagle on the 12th -- the course's third hole. Shiva Ram dropped shots on the fourth and sixth before finishing with birdies on his last two holes.

Birgunj, Bhairahawa in semis

Region-II  (Birgunj) and Region-IV (Bhairahawa) advanced to the semi-finals of the Senior One-day National cricket tournament on Monday. 

Bhairahawa confirmed their place in the last four after recording their fourth consecutive win in Group B, as they defeated Region-V (Nepalgunj) by four wickets at the Tribhuvan University (TU) ground. Birgunj too made it to the semi-finals from Group A with eight points. 

In Pokhara, Birgunj hammered hosts Pokhara by 114 runs. Arif Sheikh scored a half century to help Birgunj pile on 224-9. Kumar Thapa returned with figures of 4-25 as Pokhara were restricted for 110 runs in 34.4 overs. Man-of-the-match, Ram Naresh Giri, who also made 37 runs, claimed three wickets to pile more misery on Pokhara. 

Pokhara had a rocky start with the top three batsmen adding just 34 runs. Middle order batsman Dipesh Khatri anchored their innings with an unbeaten 30 runs. Khatri faced 85 balls but with wickets falling at regular interval at the other end his effort proved too little. Earlier, Seikh hit 81-ball 54 runs including seven boundaries while Anil Sah hit 32 to propel Birgunj to 224. 

At the TU ground, Bhairahawa bowled Nepalgunj out for 201 runs. Bhairahawa had a poor start chasing the total but Lal Bahadur Adhikari and Antim Thapa added 109 runs for the fifth wicket to bring their team into winning position. Adhikari hit 63-ball 49 while Thapa scored 51-ball 43.

Nasir Ansari broke the stand when he had Thapa caught by Shubhendu Pandey in 23.1 overs. Ansari also got rid of Adhikari four balls later to reduce Bhairahawa to 158-6. But Sushan Bhari (20) and Prakash KC  (11) safely guided their team home. 

Earlier, Praveen Giri’s half century had gone in vain for Nepalgunj. Openers Siddhant Raj Shahi (45) and Bhupendra Thapa (20) had laid a strong foundation for a big total but the middle order collapsed after their dismissal. Praveen then came to rescue his side with a fluent 57-ball 53, which to ensure Nepalgunj cross 200 runs. 

shiva Ram takes first day honour

Shiva Ram Shrestha opened up a two-shot lead over Umesh Nagarkoti in the opening round of the Surya Nepal NPGA Tour Championship here at the Gokarna Golf Course on Tuesday.

The Royal Nepal Golf Club (RNGC) pro Shiva Ram shot six-under 66 on the first day of the 10th and final event under the Surya Nepal Golf Tour 2013-14. Two shots behind was Umesh of Gokarna. Toran Bikram Shahi was next at three-under 69 and CB Bhandari a further stroke back at two-under 70. The 2007 Surya Nepal Masters champion Deepak Thapa Magar, Rabi Khadka and Ram Thapa are tied for fifth at one-under 71.

Sachin Bhattarai, Tham Bahadur Rai, Sanjay Lama and Ram Krishna Shrestha are tied for eighth at even-par 72. Mani Rai stand alone at 11th with three-over 75. Deepak Acharya, Ramesh Adhikari, Surya Prasad Sharma and Suman Rai were a shot adrift at four-over 76.

Shiva Ram carded three-under 33 on both the front and back nines.On the front nine, the Nepal No 1 golf er carded four birdies against a bogey, while his back nine comprises of three birdies and an eagle against two bogeys. He sank birdies on the third, fourth, sixth and ninth holes but had a bogey on the second. On the way back, the RNGC golf er sank an eagle on the par-5 11th to add to the birdies on the 12th, 15th and 18th holes. He dropped shots on the 14th and 16th holes.

Umesh played one-under 35 in the first nine with a lone birdie on the seventh hole. On the back nine, Gokarna pro carded three-under 33 with birdies on the 12th, 14th, 16th and 17th holes against a bogey on the 11th. Toran, meanwhile, shot four-under 32 on the front nine and one-over 37 on the back nine.

In amateur category, top ranked Dinesh Prajapati carded one-over 73 to take the pole position, one stroke ahead of fellow Surya Nepal NGA Youth Golf Development Programme member Bishnu Sharma. Prajapati shot two-under 34 on the front nine and three-over 39 on the back nine. Bishnu shot one-over 37 on either halves. Tanka Bahadur Karki was third at four-over 76

biratnagar qualify

Sunny Pun struck a century to guide Region-I (Biratnagar) to the semi-finals of the Senior One-day National cricket tournament with a 166-run win over Region-VII (Janakpur) on Thursday.

In a Group B match held at the TU ground, opener Pun hit 119-ball 104 with 14 boundaries as Biratnagar posted a mammoth 304-5. Janakpur were skittled out for 138 runs in 44.3 overs. The result saw Biratnagar join Bhairahawa in the last four while Janakpur crashed out after finishing fifth in the six-team standings with two points.

Apart from Pun, former national team allrounder Mehboob Alam scored 83-ball 77 with eight fours and a six. Hari Shankar Sah got the prized wickets of both Pun and Alam while Abhishek Jha, and Chandan Jha took one wicket each for Janakpur. 

Janakpur were in dire strait at 85-6 and never looked looked like threatening Biratnagar. No 8 batsman Sunil Sah top scored for Janakpur with an unbeaten 37 while Raj Mohammad chipped in 23. Veteran spinner Raj Kumar Pradhan, fresh from his six-wicket haul a day earlier, Puran Shankar BK, Puspa Thapa and Siddhant Lohani took two wickets each for Biratnagar.

At Pulchowk Engineering College ground, Region III (Kathmandu) thumped Region V (Nepalgunj) by 169 runs. With Biratnagar and Region IV (Bhairahawa) making it to the semi-final form Group B, the resounding Kathmandu victory carried no significance. The hosts, who have four points from two matches, will play their next inconsequential match against Region IX (Dhangadi) on Friday. 

Electing to bat, Kathmandu were all out for 276 runs in 48. 1 overs. Suman Uday (31), Prashanna Shakya (31), Sanjay Basnet (30) and Arjun Adhikari (30) were the major run scorers for Kathmandu while Inamuddin Halwai grabbed three wickets for Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj were bowled out for 107 runs in 27.4 overs in reply. Shakya took 3-19 and Pramod Basnet 3-44 for Kathmandu. 

In Pokhara Pokhara, Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) kept their semi-finals prospect alive after registering 44-run win over Region VIII (Pokhara). Defending a modest total of 205 runs, Rupesh Shrivastav took four and Rajesh Pulami three wickets to restrict Pokhara for 161 in 34.5 overs.

TAC had Suman Shrestha (54), Rajesh Pulami (34) and Rupesh Shrivastav (34) to thank for posting the total. In reply, skipper Rijan Prajoo fought a lonely battle for Pokhara as he stroke a fluent 74 runs but rest of the batsmen simply collapsed. His 83-ball knock included 11 hits to the fence and two fours. Shrivastav was the pick of the TAC bowlers with figures of 4-31 while Rajesh Pulami took 3-27.