‘Preparation for Asiad starts on Apr. 24’

 By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Apr. 13: National Sports Council announced the preparation for the Asian Games starts on April 24. The 19th edition of the Asian Games, which postponed from 2022 due to the COVID pandemic, will start in Hangzhou, China from September 23 to October 8.

Organising a press conference on Wednesday, Member Secretary of the Council Tanka Lal Ghishing said the first phase preparation will start from April 24 to May 17. 

“In the preliminary training, 425 players will be taking part. The second phase training will kick off from May 20 to June 8.

Players will cut down to 295 for the second phase and 168 players will be selected for the final preparation,” Ghishing said. The final preparation will kick off from June 9 to September 17.  Ghising added that a four-day selection tournament will be held from April 16 before the Asiad preparation starts. 

He informed the media that a budget of Rs. 20 million is allocated for the preparation.  “The budget, however, is not enough. Ministry of Finance has assured to provide more for the preparation,” Ghishing said. 

He guaranteed that the five-and-a-half-month-long training won’t be stopped.

Nepal is going to take part in the 23 sports disciplines during the continental sporting fest.  

Nepal will be competing in Boxing, Taekwondo and Karate, Athletics, Cycling, Football, Golf, Judo, Triathlon, Wushu, Volleyball, Wrestling, Swimming, Weightlifting, Archery, Basketball (3x3), Fencing, Handball, Kabaddi, Table Tennis, Volleyball, Badminton, Cricket and Shooting in the Asiad.