KATHMANDU: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Mohamed Bin Hammam, Vice-President Manilal Fernando and AFC Executive Committee member Ganesh Thapa are to be honoured by Nepal’s King Gyanendra in recognition of their sterling contribution towards the development of football.

The prestigious Prabal Gorkha Dakshin Bahu (PGDB) award will be conferred upon Bin Hammam and Fernando, while Thapa, who is also the president of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), will receive the Supradiptta Birendra Prajatantra Bhaskar award.

Bin Hammam and Fernando are the only two foreign officials included in the King's list for this year. Thapa has been conferred the award following the successful organization of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President's Cup.

Former Nepal international footballers, goalkeeper Upendra Man Singh and midfielder Balgopal Maharjan, received the Prakhyat Trishakti Patta, Fourth.

Singh who was formerly the captain of the national team has now retired from the game while Maharjan played his last game during the AFC President's Cup in May this year. His retirement marked the end of a 16 year illustrious career.

Others being conferred with the PGDB, Fourth from football fraternity are ANFA vice-presidents Narendra Shrestha, Kishor Rai, treasurer Birat Jung Shah and coach Dhruba KC.