Prime Minister wishes Nepal’s best performance in Asiad

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Sept 15 : Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda announced that the cash reward promised to players will be released on Friday. 

He made the announcement during the farewell program of the athletes participating in the 19th Asian Games held at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence Baluwatar on Thursday.

The Prime Minister apologized for the delay in distributing the award announced earlier due to some technical glitch and lack of policy. However, he assured the players that the prize money would be released during tomorrow’s cabinet meeting.

“The Ministry of Finance has approved the necessary regulations and forwarded them to the Ministry of Youth and Sports today. Tomorrow’s cabinet meeting will release the prize money,” PM Dahal assured. 

He expressed his pride for Nepali players who have shown impressive performances in many games. He also expressed confidence that they will increase the country’s pride and height by performing even better in the Asiad. 

A total of 253 players, including 127 women and 126 men, are representing Nepal in 29 games in the continental sports jamboree where 45 nations are contesting. 

The Prime Minister will also be attending the opening ceremony of the Asian Games to be held in Hangzhou on September 23 to embark on his China visit. “I am visiting China to watch the competition. I believe that it will help to increase your morale and establish Nepal’s role in sports diplomacy.”

He said that the construction of sports infrastructure would be on the agenda during his China visit.

The Prime Minister expressed his commitment to the effective implementation of all policies related to the sports sector and building inadequate policies. He also assured that the government would strive to increase investment in the sports sector, contribute more to the self-esteem, encouragement, awards, and moral development of the players, and make the role of the state more effective and responsible.

During the farewell function, Minister for Youth and Sports Dig Bahadur Limbu also expressed his confidence in Nepali players giving their best in China. Chef De Mission of the Nepali sports contingent and Member Secretary of National Sports Council Tanka Lal Ghising briefed the Prime Minister about Nepal’s preparation for the Asiad. President of the Nepal Olympic Committee Jeevan Ram Shrestha was also present during the farewell function.

Nepal started participating in the Asian Games from the first edition held in India in 1951. Nepal had skipped two events in 1954 and 1962. Nepal started winning medals from the 10th edition of the Asiad held in New Delhi in 1982. Since then, Nepal has won a total of 24 medals, two of which are silver medals while the rest are bronze medals.