Elina Maharjan: Setting an example for all athletes

Elina Maharjan, a table tennis player, set an example by distributing cash prizes from the government to the poor. She donated prize money earned from the 13th South Asian Games to Corona-affected families. She won bronze medals in the women's team event of the 12th and 13th South Asian Games.

She has been involved in social work at various times.

Under the Pulsar Outstanding Player Award given annually by the Nepal Sports Journalists Forum, the People's Choice Award was given to the players based on the votes of sport fans. In the past, such awards were selected only on the basis of SMS voting, but this is the first time that coaches and sports journalists have been able to vote for a player. Table tennis player Elina Maharjan received the award this year.

Maharjan became a table tennis player from an early age. She has been involved in this sport continuously for the last 15 years. She is currently second in women's singles in Nepal. She has secured second position in the national table tennis tournament five times. In the first place is her sister-in-law Nabita Shrestha. Despite having to compete with members of the same family, Elina aims to become the national champion.

Apart from these two women who are ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in Nepali women's table tennis, her brother Rakesh Maharjan and sister Erika Maharjan are also national players. Together, they are running a table tennis academy in their home. At present, many players of different age groups are practicing table tennis at the Stag Champions Table Tennis Academy.

Apart from this, Elina is also affiliated with Nepal Police Club and she also teaches table tennis in private schools.

Nowadays, she is self training because of her injury. Her goal now is to win the national sports title, which will be held in Pokhara soon. At NepalNews studio, Elina Maharjan has expressed her commitment to restore the game to its former glory as the popularity of table tennis is declining in Nepal.

Maharjan, who has completed her studies up to MBA level, said that she will continue to work for the development of table tennis for the rest of her life.