Kathmandu, July 1 -- On Saturday, June 27, Sunmaya Budha was crowned the new queen of the Lavaredo Ultra Trail 120K in Italy after winning the race's 19th edition. After conquering a gruelling 120-kilometre course with more than 5,800 metres of elevation gain, she crossed the finish line to a roar from hundreds of spectators. Budha held the finishing tape, raised her arms in triumph and was celebrated as a champion.

Three days later, when Budha walked through the arrival gate at Tribhuvan International Airport with the winner's medal, there was no cheering crowd waiting.

Instead, a small group led by Nepal Adventure Running Federation (NARF) Vice-President Rajan Khatri, joined by a handful of well-wishers carrying a banner, bouquets and...