April 19: Abhishek Bastola of Pokhara has been enlisted in the world rankings of the International Tennis Federation (ITF). He is currently playing professional tennis in the US and has recently been ranked 1790 in the ITF ranking. Bastola is reportedly the first Nepali tennis player ever to get ITF ranking.    
The 23-year-old Bastola is studying in the US as well as advancing his sports career by playing various international competitions. Bastola started playing tennis in Pokhara when he was eight years old.    
At a program organized by the Kaski District Tennis Association in Pokhara on Tuesday, Bastola expressed pride for being recognized by the ITF. He mentioned that he will work to improve his rankings this year to around 1000 and within 500 next year.    
"It is a feeling of pride to play carrying the flag of my motherland Nepal in international competitions," said Bastola, who has played in tennis competitions in 14 different countries so far.    
On the occasion, Central Vice President of Nepal Tennis Association Binod Kayastha said that Abhishek's achievement was a matter for pride for all Nepalis. -- RSS