West Hartford Mayor recognized the achievements of Biplav Lal Shrestha and Deepak Shrestha during their visit to town.

From left: Biplav Lal Shrestha, Rinku Shrestha, West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor, Marty Keena (Friends of Feeney), and Deepak Shrestha with West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

By Ronni Newton

On a celebratory tour of various cities following their successes at the U.S.A. Open International Karate Championship in late March, renowned Nepali karate players Biplav Lal Shrestha and Deepak Shrestha visited West Hartford and received proclamations from Mayor Shari Cantor recognizing their achievements.

Rinku Shrestha, the owner of local package store South Main Wine & Spirits, provided both karate players with a tour of West Hartford that ended at Town Hall. Biplav Lal Shrestha and Deepak Shrestha were also guests on an episode of the Friends of Feeney podcast.

Deepak Shrestha holds his proclamation from West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Coach Deepak Shrestha is the current President of the Nepal National the International Player Association, and has received the prestigious “Suprabal Gorkha Dakchhin Bahu (3rd)” award from the Late His Majesty King Birendra Bir Bikram Shahdev, marking him as a significant figure in the world of sports in Nepal and beyond, according to the proclamation. He has been a gold medalist multiple times in the South Asian Games and other competition.

His philosophy, however, is: “Victory in a match is mot a victory in life,” which the proclamation from the mayor states “underscores his dedication and holistic approach to his sport and life, earning him respect and admiration within the karate community.”

Biplav Lal Shrestha holds his proclamation from West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Biplav Lal Shrestha is a current nationally- and internationally-acclaimed karate player who has won many gold medals and earned the rank of Black Belt 3rd Dan in Shityo-Ryu-Karate. He recently clinched a gold medal in the 13th South Asian Games in Nepal, and the proclamation notes that his “exceptional karate and educational accomplishments are recognized and celebrated as a testament to his dedication, skill, and contribution to the sport, as well as his personal development and integrity.”

West Hartford is home to the largest Nepali community in Connecticut, and the visit to Town Hall and recognition from the mayor is “an excellent opportunity for our Nepali community to come together and celebrate their achievements,” Rinku Shrestha said.

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