Prime Minister Sushil Koirala handed over the reward to Tamang during a programme at his residence in Baluwatar. Karateka Tamang had saved the blushed of a big Nepali contingent from a total humiliation winning a bronze medal in the women’s individual kata in Incheon, South Korea, during the September 19 to October 4 meet.

PM Koirala lauded the achievement saying: “We all know how our athletes have been struggling in their career amidst huge scarcity. But still they are doing their best to bring glory to the country. We are gradually moving forward in terms of development and definitely the athletes will get what they deserve.”

Thanking the government for acknowledging her achievement, Tamang said: “This reward is a huge motivation for me to do even better in future. I was restricted to a bronze medal but I assure that I will return with a gold from the next Asian Games.”

Reflecting to her success, Tamang said it was a great feeling to become a medallist of the country. “I am very much happy to win a medal for my country in the Asian Games. I was deeply moved when Nepal’s flag was unfurled at the presentation ceremony,” added Tamang.

Out of the 204-member jumbo Nepali contingent that participated in 25 sports disciplines, Tamang was the only athlete to return home with a medal. Youth and Sports Minister Purushottam Paudel said it was now time to bring some changes.

“The performance from a jumbo Nepali team has really worried us. This has forced us to think about our future in sports. There is a need to review our sports policy and prepare ourselves in the best possible way whenever we set about for any regional or global meet,” said Paudel.