Tribhuvan Army Club defended their crown in a dominant fashion at the Ninth National Games, bagging almost three times more gold medals than their closest opponents as curtain fell on the week-long sports festival in Pokhara on Thursday.

The Games had formally kicked off on October 14.

Army, the table toppers of the previous two editions — 2016 and 2019 — secured 172 gold, 110 silver and 89 bronze medals to finish at 371 medals. Runners up Nepal Armed Police Force (APF) Club walked away with 65 gold, 72 silver and 82 bronzes to finish the games with a tally of 219 medals.

Nepal Police Club stood third in the games with 61 gold and silver medals each, along with 73 bronze to secure a total of 195 medals. Hosts Gandaki finished fourth, but were placed on top among non-departmental sides, collecting 32 gold, 31 silver and 57 bronzes.

Bagmati were fifth, claiming 24 gold, 47 silver and 74 bronze to garner 145 medals in total. Province 1, Sudurpaschim and Non Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) all collected 10 gold medals each, but secured between sixth and eighth places, based on their respective silver count.

Lumbini secured six golds, Madhesh five with Karnali finishing at the bottom of the medals tally with two golds in the event. The games had contestants from 11 teams – seven provinces, NRNA apart from Police, the Army and APF.

Altogether 6,157 athletes competed for a total of 397 gold and silver medals each and 553 bronze medals.

Paraglider Nisim Thapa Magar, who died during paragliding’s cross country contest on Sunday, has been given an honorary gold medal.

The closing ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, featured cultural shows, march-past and singing by national artists.

Meanwhile, Deuba handed over the flag for hosting the next edition of the game to Karnali Province Social Development Minister, Yagya Bahadur BC. Karnali will host the Games from November 17 to 24, 2024.