SATV, Kathmandu, Aug. 18 - Prince Dahal of the Armed Police Force (APF) and the Tribhuvan Army Club’s Rashila Maharjan successfully defended their respective singles titles in the top-eight ranking category at the Li-Ning 14th Pushpalal Memorial National Ranking Badminton Championship, which concluded at the Yala Sports Academy in Gwarko.

In the men’s top-eight final held on Sunday evening, Dahal defeated his APF teammate Kshitiz Khanal 21–15, 21–7, avenging a loss suffered during the league stage to secure his fifth consecutive tournament victory. Since his first title in 2021, Dahal has maintained a dominant presence in the competition, though he remains behind the record of eight consecutive wins held by Ratnajeet Tamang.

Bishnu Katuwal (Peace Fitness Club) and Praful Maharjan (Army) shared third-place honours. Dahal received a winner’s purse of 48,500 rupees, while Khanal took home 30,000 rupees.

In the women’s elite category, Maharjan secured her third Pushpalal Memorial title, adding to her 2019 and 2024 victories, with a 21–12, 21–13 straight-sets win over Nepal Police Club’s 

Seshna Shripali. 

Rihanna Sherchan (APF) and Nita Lamsal (Police) finished as joint-third. Maharjan was awarded 50,000 rupees for her performance. The event’s historical record in the women’s singles remains led by Sara Devi Tamang, who has four titles, and Nangsal Devi Tamang, who has three.

Likewise, beyond the elite top-eight rankings, David Thapa Magar (Police) claimed the men’s singles title by overcoming teammate Kabir KC 21–7, 21–18.

In the women’s section, Dilasha Rana of Kaski defeated Niva Rai of Fit Nepal Sportsplex 21–16, 21–14.

The tournament, organised by the National Badminton Association under the Nepal Sports Federation, also featured a wide array of age-group and doubles events held at the Yala Sports Academy in Gwarko.

The pair of Amita Giri and Rashila Maharjan won the women's doubles title. The men's doubles title went to the team of Devraj Rana and Prince Dahal. 

Likewise, Kabir KC and Dilasha Rana won the men's and women's title in U19 Singles.