Sports: Youth Interest And Nepal's Prospects

Modern countries all have national level sports squads for each sports disciplines to represent their countries at global stage. Within a country, there are also domestic teams that represent regions, zones, states or districts. Sports are important to a country's representation and reputation preservation. It might be a country's most significant and largest identity. 

Sports, either directly or indirectly, aid a country's worldwide prominence. Consider the case of a country like Brazil, a South American country known for football. 

Argentina and Portugal are the countries that come after Brazil. Not only football, but other important sports such as cricket, tennis, and basketball have helped shape the identities of the countries involved. Brazil, Argentina, India, Australia, England, the USA, France, Spain and many others are used as examples in this instance. There are many countries that are not at par with above-mentioned nation failing in sports.

Sports Fans

People throughout the world are aware of sports. Their preferred sports is either their country's specialised sport or their own sport. When people are enthusiastic about something, they are pulled to it. As we all know, individuals are enthusiastic about different sports in different places. Specialized countries have die-hard followers, and it's not uncommon to witness fans sobbing and celebrating their teams' defeats and achievements. In the event of suffering countries, individuals may opt to support another country in major sports. People that watch sports are always enthralled by them.

The attractiveness of sports, in particular, captivates the youth demographic. A section of Nepalese people are also highly enthusiastic about the sports they watch. Cricket and football are popular sports in Nepal. Most of the time, Nepalese youths favour other nations, but they support Nepal in international games when Nepal is playing so passionately that many worldwide leaders have appreciated the fan base. 

Youths are typically drawn to sports since it is an energetic field, and youth is also regarded an energetic age, so the energy matches there. Not only are young people active in sports, but they also desire to play for their nation. Young boys and girls are observed managing their routines on their own during their adolescent years, with the objective of representing their nation. 

It is the desire, or the beauty of athletics, that draws a young mind to the academy every evening or morning after or before school. A middle-class family expects their children to succeed in sports. However, in nations such as ours, there is not enough confidence in this sector to make it a profession. 

It is quite tough to make a living just from sports vocations. It might be due of the country's predicament. Our country is still not "settled" or "stable" enough to be concerned about sports and e-sports. There is no dispute about the players' ability or capabilities, as proven by our previous achievements despite inadequate management. Nepal, for example, competed in a cricket world cup nine years ago, and a PUBG team called "DRS" finished second overall. Furthermore, we can find players that have simply enhanced their standing globally and are comfortably living with this career, such as Kiran Chemjong, Sandeep Lamichhane (despite of his present controversi), and numerous PUBG players and streamers.

People continue to make unintentional or intentional comparisons between e-sports and physical sports. However, the tradition of treating them as equally recognised sports does not exist in Nepal. However, the recent accomplishment of Da Real Soldiers (DRS) has given Nepalese upper generations a severe competition, or, let's say, a "challenge," to think that everything is possible if you master your profession. 

E-sports

There is no scarcity of respect in any sector if you do well. However, when it comes to money, e-sports players are paid more than sports athletes. The government has total authority over the sports, while e-sports teams are controlled by private corporations or a single investor. This clearly demonstrates that private corporations or investors are looking to invest in Nepalese sports if given the opportunity, whether for patriotic reasons, a monetary motive, or simply because they are interested in the game.

There has been no political influence in e-sports until now since it is in the hands of the people, but we all know the situation with other sports. This does not imply that the selection is biassed in any way. The major issue, however, is that the cash set aside for sports development has been frozen or is not being used correctly. The fundamental reason for this is that the individuals in charge are no longer competent in their respective disciplines. The system's administration is ineffective, not the system itself. Policies must be amended and adjusted if we want to make our country an expert in a certain sport.

Nepal has a lot of potential for quick growth in sports. Youth's enthusiasm and vitality are inspiring. And as time passes and generations pass, everyone can develop an interest in this topic. A democratic republican administration will not stifle people's interests or the chance for our country to shine better in this sector. However, the sad fact is that the current system is still messed up and has no stable future in sports.

(Pokhrel is a student)