Feb 24, Kathmandu- Bhadrapur Municipality of Jhapa has honored national and international athletes within the municipality with cash awards.

Hockey coach Deepak Khatiwada, players Sudip Kumar Chaudhary, Sabina Rajbanshi, cricketer Bipin Kumar Mahato and Soni Devi Das of Bharat Tolan were honored.

They were honored with Rs 10,000 each during a program held on the occasion of the municipality's 15th municipal assembly.

Khatiwada is the coach of the Koshi Province men's hockey team, while players Sudip and Sabina have participated in the national games. They represented Nepal at the World Youth Hockey Festival held in Malaysia.

Cricketer Bipin is a member of the U-19 national team, while Soni of Bharat Tolan won a bronze medal in a match held in India.

Meanwhile, the municipality has honored Drona Adhikari with Rs 31,000 in cash for the Development Journalism Award and Santosh Sharma with Rs 15,000 for the Promotional Journalism Award.

They were presented with awards by Mayor Ganesh Pokharel, Deputy Mayor Radha Karki, Chief Administrative Officer Sunil Niraula, and others.