Sirish Gurung, 14, has set new the national record in 1500m freestyle swimming with a time of 19 minutes 48.16 seconds in the last day of 17th National Open and Age Group Swimming Championship on Thursday.

Gurung broke the previous record of Jay Prakash Gurung who had recorded 23 minute 12.38 seconds in the first South Asian Federation (SAF) Games in 1984. He clinched total 10 gold medals, a silver and bronze medal.

Similarly, Rudra Katwal also broke the previous national record in the same 1500m with a time of 22 minutes 8.12 seconds but Gurung overcame him to set national record.

Both Gurung and Katwal also received Rs. 5,000 each from Nepal Swimming Association.

Similarly, Nepal Sports Council's Member Secretary Yuvaraj Lama also announced Rs. 10,000 each to both the swimmers as incentive. nepalnews.com