By TRN Online, Kathmandu, Dec. 22: A Nepalese restaurant in London has been recognised for its charitable work in the community by a former Premier League football club.

Sujan Katuwal, of Panas Gurkha in Lewisham was presented with a signed Charlton Athletic shirt ahead of their match against Cambridge United.

Talking to TRN Online, Katuwal said that the shirt was given to him after the restaurant gained fame for its incredible work in the local community since the start of the pandemic.

Led by Katuwal and his remarkable restaurant team, Panas has donated and delivered over 100,000 free meals to local key workers during the pandemic.

After receiving the recognition, Katuwal said, “It’s really quite amazing. After the 12 months we’ve had and the work we’ve done in the local community – this is a lovely way to finish off the year. We’re a local, community-focused restaurant so the recognition we’ve received from a club, that’s very close to our heart, is special. To see all the fans at the ground so appreciative of our efforts as well as really quite something.”

 The shirt was presented to Katuwal in front of hundreds of Charlton fans by the club’s owner Thomas Sandgaard and the CEO of the Charlton Athletic Community Trust, Jason Morgan.

By way of appreciation, Katuwal presented Sandgaard with a Nepalese craft scarf, topi and khukuri which was gratefully received by the Danish businessman.

Earlier, the restaurant was honoured with the Best Nepalese Restaurant and the Community Heroes award at the 2021 Asian Food Awards.