Chitwan, April 9: CPN (UML) chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' called for building a healthy and civilized society through the development of the sports sector.     

Addressing the closing ceremony of Bharatpur Cycling Marathon-2078 BS organized by Pragya Memorial Foundation in Chitwan today, leader Prachanda opined that Chitwan was becoming a hub for all sorts of sports.    

"The construction of under-construction Gautam Buddha International Cricket Stadium and other infrastructures for indoor sports has explored the possibility of sports in Chitwan," the former Prime Minister said.    

Also speaking at the programme, Minister for Youth and Sports Maheshwor Raj Gahatraj commended the Foundation had done exemplary work by organizing a cycle race.    

He assured me that his ministry was committed to the promotion of sports. As for the under-construction of Gautam Buddha International Cricket Stadium, the Minister shared that the government would allocate a budget in the upcoming fiscal year to take forward the remaining construction works of the stadium which started at the community level.    

In the marathon, Merina Rana Magar stood first cycling 65 kilometres in 3 hours 23 minutes while Sudha Timalsina finished second completing the same length in 4 hours 12 minutes and 13 seconds.    

In the male category, Sandeep Shrestha became the first to cycle 65 kilometres in 2 hours 12 minutes 19 seconds while Tribhuvan Army Club's Dipesh Chaudhary stood second.    

Suraj Rana Magar was declared the best cyclist completing 65 kilometres in 1 hour and 56 minutes. A total of 41 players were awarded cash prizes and medals for winning in various categories, the organizers said.