It was a fantastic comeback for Army man Rajendra Bhandari who won the 3rd International Open Kathmandu Marathon Saturday after spending a two-year ban.

Bhandari was banned by IAAF after he was found positive in doping just after winning two gold medals in the 10th SA Games.

Bhandari clocked 2 hrs 22 mins 18 secs to finish the race. Bhandari also grabbed USD 5,000. Second placed Arjun Basnet clocked 2 hrs 24 mins 34 seconds to grab USD 3,000. Arjun Dhakal was 3rd winning USD 2,000.

“I have worked hard for the past two years”, an elated Bhandari said adding, “I have never taken a drug. I will prove to everyone that I am genuine”.

In men’s 5 km race, Deepak Desar clocked 16 mins 30 secs to win the title while Sarita Basi won the title in the ladies category. nepalnews.com Nov 02 08