Bid For Big Sports

Karnali Province that is known as the economic backwater has received limelight after the country adopted federal governance system. For centuries, it was overshadowed due to the discrimination from the centre. Now the provincial government and local levels are in a position to carry out development works as per the need of the local people. Karnali holds huge potential for agriculture and herbal production, livestock, tourism and hydropower development. More importantly, it is the seat of ancient Nepali civilisation. Nepali language, culture and tradition flourished in Karnali under the Khas Empire. As the empire fell apart, its strength, glory and lustre faded over the time. But for many scholars and researchers, Karnali is still a mystery. There is the need for more study and investment in Karnali to unlock its potential so that it catches up with other provinces. 

Given its rugged, difficult terrains, Karnali is in the dire need of better connectivity. Improved road infrastructure paves the way for the installation of basic public utilities such health posts, drinking water supply, schools, colleges and university, stadiums and recreation centres, among others. In the new fiscal year budget, the Karnali province government aims at realising its motto: 'prosperous Karnali, happy Karnalis'. It is geared towards providing partial employment to 16,000 persons through the 'Poverty Alleviation and Employment Provincial Government Responsibility' programme. The Karnali Province is set to organise the the 10th National Games and the 1st National Para Games, which can give a fillip to infrastructure development, business and tourism. The entire province except for Dolpa and Salyan has swung into action to build sports infrastructure and other facilities. The Karnali government has invested over Rs 2 billion in sports facilities bearing in mind the upcoming two sports events.

Karnali Stadium whose construction started in December 2021 is expected to be ready before the curtains are raised for the national sport competitions. The stadium that has a capacity of accommodate 10,000 viewers is the national pride project. Though the number of players and officials participating the games are yet to be finalised, the government, public and private stakeholders are putting their best foot forward to make the event a grand success. The National Sports Council (NSC) must not delay in announcing the number of athletes, games, teams, venues and dates for smoothly making the preparation works. Karnali will get modern stadium that will play to increase sport activities in the aftermath of the national games. According to the news report of this daily, the NSC will host 35 of 36 games. It will not organise the paragliding in the absence of the appropriate location. 

The Karnali government said it has the infrastructure to organise 24 sports in eight of 10 districts. Around 17 sports will be organised in the main stadium. Two cricket grounds are being prepared in Birendranagar and the construction of a swimming pool is at the final stage. It is indeed good idea to organise the sports in other districts of the province to arouse the people's interest in them. In yet another important decision, the Karnali government has decided to use locally-produced clothes for the athletes. The stadium and other facilities will be designed and painted to depict the culture and history of Karnali. The 10th National Games will not only be confined to the sports development of the province, this will also enhance its capacity by bringing it in the map of national development.