Sports journalist Naveen Aryal honored in Tokyo

TOKYO:- Robin Prasad Sherchan, Senior Vice President of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), honored senior sports journalist Nabin Aryal—author of the book *Nepal-Japan Sports Relations*—at a special event.

Sherchan honored Aryal by draping a traditional shawl around him during the event, which was held at Gazebo Restaurant in Shin-Okubo, Tokyo.

Aryal launched his book in the context of the recently concluded 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. The book launch took place in Nagoya on September 18, with Harihar Kanta Paudel, the Chargé d’Affaires for Japan, presiding as the chief guest. Sherchan was also present at the launch event.

Speaking at the honoring ceremony, Sherchan said, “I am delighted to honor author Aryal here in Tokyo—who traveled a long way from Nepal for the launch of this book—for successfully delving into the history of sporting relations between Nepal and Japan. I would like to thank the author for this.”

Although I had not previously had the opportunity to read any documentation regarding the sporting ties between Nepal and Japan, this book gave me the chance to understand the multifaceted nature of the relationship between the two countries. I feel proud to be able to share with my contemporaries in Japan how the relationship between our nations has expanded through sports.

At the event, ANFA Japan President Khadka expressed his happiness at being able to honor Aryal—who is also a senior journalist—in Japan. He said, “When we used to play football in Nepal, he would come to Dasharath Stadium to cover the matches.”

We—the players—had not fully realized the significant contribution we had made in fostering relations between Japan and Nepal through our sport. However, the author has documented the contributions of my seniors and myself, presenting the facts in simple, accessible language. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the author, Mr. Aryal, for this.

Gauchan, the Honorary President of ANFA Japan, also thanked the author for including his contributions in the book. He remarked, “Your book has truly given us a reason to feel proud.”

At the event, businessman Binod Sherchan also praised the hard work put in by author Aryal. Senior sports journalist and author Nabin Aryal expressed his gratitude on the occasion, stating, “I had never imagined I would be honored in this way in Tokyo, the capital of Japan.”

He described the book titled ‘Nepal-Japan Sports Relations’ as a document that illustrates the relationship between the two countries. He expressed optimism that the book would play a significant role in further strengthening the ties between Nepal and Japan.

At the event, ANFA Japan welcomed sports journalists from Nepal—including Binod Pandey, Mahesh Acharya, Prakash Timalsina, Subash Humagai, and SK Sharma, who had arrived to cover the Asian Games—by draping traditional *khadas* around their necks. Journalist Mohan Ghale moderated the program.