Kathmandu: Newly-appointed Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) Ashok Raj Sigdel officially assumed office at the Nepali Army (NA) Headquarters on Monday, marking the beginning of his tenure as the 45th CoAS.

In a ceremonial event, CoAS Sigdel paid tributes at the Sainik Manch in Tundhikhel and the Bir Ismarak in Chhauni, Kathmandu. The Nepali Army contingent presented a guard of honor to the new Chief of Army Staff before he formally took charge.

Earlier in the day, CoAS Sigdel took the oath of office and secrecy before President Ramchandra Paudel, the Supreme Commander of the Nepali Army.

Born on February 1, 1967, in Rupandehi district, Sigdel began his military career in 1986 as a cadet officer. Prior to his appointment, he had been serving as the Acting CoAS since August 9, following the tradition of the outgoing CoAS taking a one-month leave before retirement.