Government has given priority to sports- Minister Gahatraj

By Pramod Joshi, Pokhara, Oct. 14: With the main slogan of 'United country, the message of Sports', the ninth edition of the National Games officially kicked off at the capital city of Gandaki Province, Pokhara on Friday.

Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun declared the opening of the nation's biggest sporting event amidst fanfare at Pokhara Stadium.

Wishing for the successful completion of the Games, Vice President declared the opening of the 9th National Games. Congratulating the best performers of the past National Games, Vice President Pun also wished for the best performance from all the athletes in the current event. The declaration was celebrated with fireworks at the stadium. The fireworks also ended the opening ceremony, which started one hour late than scheduled.

The biennial multi-sporting event eventually took place in Gandaki Province after One and a half years of delay. Set to be held on March 2021, the ninth edition was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The march pass from the 300 Nepali Army started the inauguration ceremony of the nation's Olympics at the football stadium of Pokhara Sports Complex.

Giving a welcome speech, Member Secretary of the National Sports Council Tanka Lal Ghising said the grand sporting event taking place in the Gandaki province should be taken as an opportunity of helping sports evolve. Stressing the importance of the national games, Ghising informed that the best players from the event would be included in the national team.

After hoisting the national flag at the stadium, Minister for Youth and Sports Mahesworjung Gahatraj said the government has always given priority to sports. He urged joint work from all three levels of government for the long-term development of the sports.

Chief Minister of Gandaki Province Krishna Chandra Nepali Pokhrel thanked for giving Gandaki Province the opportunity to organise the nation's biggest sports gala for the second time. He said Gandaki is full of possibilities in sports. "Gandaki could contribute to the nation by exploiting adventure sports."

President of Nepal Olympic Committee and Minister for Tourism and Culture Jeevan Ram Shrestha said Sports can play important role in the economic development of the nation.