KATHMANDU: The Embassy of India in Kathmandu has concluded the second edition of the Indian Ambassador’s Cricket Tournament, bringing together diplomats, government officials, media representatives, former cricketers, corporate teams and members of the Indian diaspora in a three-day competition aimed at strengthening Nepal-India people-to-people ties through sport.

Held from June 26 to 28 at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground and Mulpani Cricket Stadium, the tournament featured eight teams representing the Embassy of India, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the diplomatic community, Nepali media, former Nepali cricketers, Government of Nepal officials, corporate organisations and the Indian Community Association of Nepal (ICAN).

The opening ceremony was attended by Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava, Joint Secretary Gahendra Rajbhandari of Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and senior members of the diplomatic community.

The Embassy of India and ICAN advanced to the final, with the tournament concluding after three days of competition. Ambassador Srivastava and representatives of the organising partners presented trophies and awards to the champions and outstanding performers.

At a reception marking the tournament’s conclusion, Ambassador Srivastava thanked the Cricket Association of Nepal and other partners for supporting the event.

The ambassador also presented professional-grade cricket kits to three members of Nepal’s Under-19 women’s cricket team-Sana Praveen, Krishma Gurung and Sabitri Dhami-and wished them success at next year’s ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup.

According to the embassy, the annual tournament is intended to promote closer Nepal-India relations through sporting exchanges while supporting the development of young cricket talent in Nepal.