Nepal Sports Journalists Forum (NSJF) on Monday feted Jayadev Gautam with NSJF Journalism Award and Gita Rai with Suman Bhomjan Memorial Youth Sports Journalism Award amid a function at the International Sports Complex in Satdobao, Laltipur.

Gautam, a senior sports journalist and one of the founders of NSJF, was given a letter of appreciation and purse of Rs25,000 at a ceremony organised to mark the 27th anniversary of NSJF. Rai was honoured with a letter of appreciation and a laptop.

National Sports Council member secretary Tanka Lal Ghising, Nepal Olympic Committee general secretary Nilendra Raj Shrestha and NSJF president Durga Nath Subedi, among others, handed over the honours to them.

Gautam, 55, was active in sports journalism for more than two-and-a-half decades. He worked at various newspapers and portals including in Kantipur Daily for more than a decade. He has also penned a book on the football world cup ahead of the 2002 World Cup.

Gautam, who currently lives in the US, has been suffering from neuro disease for the last four years and requires a wheelchair for movement. Sharing his experience in sports journalism, Gautam suggested new-generation sports reporters to understand the technical aspect of games and hone their writing skills.

“There were very few sports journalists when we started our careers. But the number of sports journalists has grown rapidly in the past decade,” Gautam said. “I suggest newcomers to have insightful knowledge about the game and write analytical news.”

Rai, who works for sports news portal kheladi.com, said that the award will encourage her to be more dedicated to sports journalism.

NSC member secretary Tankalal Ghising lauded the role of NSJF for making Nepali sports vibrant. “The annual Sports Award being organised by NSJF has set a benchmark in Nepali sports,” he said. “NSC is always ready to join hands with NSJF for creative activities in the sports sector.”