Kathmandu:  Pokhara Thunders captain Ayush Ghalan’s stellar performances throughout the season have earned him the best player award at the Nepal Super League (NSL) despite his side narrowly missing out on the title.

Defending champions Lalitpur City FC edged Pokhara Thunders 2-1 to retain their crown in an entertaining final at Dasharath Stadium on Saturday.

Ayush, who was instrumental in leading Pokhara to the final, walked away with a cash prize of Rs250,000 for his efforts.

Lalitpur’s Mani Kumar Lama was honored with an energetic player award after scoring once and creating two more goals during the tournament while his teammate Santosh Khatri took home the emerging player award. Pokhara’s Guillaume Priso was named best goalkeeper for his five clean sheets and Dhangadhi forward Ahmad Hijaji clinched the top scorer title with five goals.

Jhapa FC earned fair play award after finishing the tournament with 10 yellow cards and no red cards.

Each category winner received Rs100,000.

Nepal national women’s team midfielder Preeti Rai, the goodwill ambassador of the franchise tournament, was feted with a scooter during the closing ceremony.