Shikha Academy of Kohalpur, Banke, has won the Lumbini Province-level U-15 Swimming Championship organized by Lumbini World School in Rupandehi on Sunday. According to coach Chandu Ram Chaudhary, Shikha Academy secured first place with 139 points. Fifteen swimmers from the school won a total of eight gold, 22 silver, and 15 bronze medals. It is the only school in the district with its own swimming pool providing regular training to students.

Adarsha School of Nepalgunj finished second with 45 points, supported by standout performances from Sanskar Nyaupane, who won six gold medals, and Samriddhi Nyaupane, who won three. Samriddhi was named the best female swimmer of the tournament.

The host Lumbini World School secured third place with 36 points, earning three gold, three silver, and six bronze medals in its first participation in a swimming event.

Sushant Bohora of Springdale Academy, Nepalgunj, emerged as the best male swimmer after winning seven gold medals. Springdale Academy has played a key role in promoting swimming in schools across the province and has produced many swimmers who represented Lumbini Province in national competitions.

The competition, held at Dreamland Gold Resort in Tilottama-5, Rupandehi, was supported by the Lumbini Province Swimming Association and the Provincial Sports Council. A total of 95 swimmers from 15 schools across Banke, Bardiya, Dang, and Rupandehi competed in 34 events ranging from 25 meters to 100 meters freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, and butterfly. Winners and participants were awarded shields, medals, certificates, and cash prizes.