The Kathmandu Post’s sports journalist, Prajwal Oli, has made it to the top three in the best column category at the International Sports Press Association's Sports Media Awards. Oli made it to the list from among applicants from 180 countries.

Oli’s article with the headline, “Nepal barely plays 50 different sports, but hosts nearly 200 sports associations,” was published in the Kathmandu Post on July 4, last year.

The winner, the first runner-up and second runner-up will be announced during the awards ceremony scheduled for February 3, in Budapest. Oli remains in contention for the top prize of US $8,000. The first runner-up would receive $3,000 and the second, $2,000.

Addressing a felicitation program before Oli leaves for Hungary to attend the awards function, the Federation of Nepali Journalists’ central member, Pawan Acharya said: "Oli's article and recognition has shown that Nepali journalists are on a par with international journalists."

Acharya added: "His article published in the Kathmandu Post did not only highlight the issues of sports in Nepal, it also displayed how devoted Nepali journalists are able to raise their concerns without any adulteration. This sends a positive message to our international counterparts."

NSJF President Durga Nath (Devendra) Subedi also acknowledged the effort the Kathmandu Post journalist had put into, while producing the story, which initially, had made it into the top 30 before making it to the top 10 and eventually, the top 3.

"It was Oli's months of rigorous work and his editorial team's support that helped create a very positive image for the Nepali sports journalists," said Subedi. "Everyone involved in sports journalism should be inspired by the dedication Oli has shown, the positive attitude of learning from his seniors and the editorial team, and the perseverance to deal with the bureaucracy to get the facts right.”

AIPS Asia treasurer and a former NSJF President, Niranjan Rajbanshi congratulated Oli and his editorial team for the achievement. "To be recognized among the top 3 is already a great achievement. I wish Oli and the Kathmandu Post, my best wishes.”

Oli leaves for Budapest on February 1 to attend the awards ceremony function.