‘Our turn to make history’, say athletes targeting medals in 2026 Asian Games

Kathmandu, Dec. 30: Nepali athletes have won three silver and 23 bronze medals in the Asian Games since their debut in the first Asian Games in New Delhi in 1951. 

But when the nation returns to Asia’s biggest sporting event in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, for the 20th edition, the athletes plan to create history by challenging the medal tally in the past 75 years. 

“I have been involved with sports for the last 25-30 years. But it is the first time that I have seen such a long-term training plan for athletes in Nepal. This is an applaudable step by the National Sports Council (NSC),” said Jagdish Prasad Bhatta, head coach of Nepali women’s volleyball team.

Alongside Bhatta and his team, the Nepali women’s kabaddi team, who won a silver in the previous edition, also showed determination to achieve a better result.

Under ‘Mission 2026’, the NSC and sports stakeholders have dreamt of Nepal winning medals in double figures with at least one gold in Japan. 

The volleyball and kabaddi teams are joined by five male and female players each from karate, 3 males and five females from boxing, five males and three females from wushu, four males and females each from athletics, and three males and females each from judo and wrestling respectively. 

“It is our turn to write history,” said karateka Arika Gurung, when she addressed the closing of the two-day workshop on anti-doping and nutrition at ANFA Complex on Sunday.

Gurung, who won a silver for Nepal in the 19th Asian Games, is one of the 81 athletes trained under ‘Mission 2026’. 

“We cannot challenge foreign players unless we are well-trained like them. The anti-doping and nutrition class was fruitful as the experts provided us insights with into the ongoing trend in the global sporting world. I believe we are all determined to make history for the country,” said Gurung.

Likewise, stressing that it was highly possible to make the dream into a reality by winning medals, including gold, in double figures.

“When I could not win a medal in the 1998 Asian Games, I could not sleep for days. However, if I had stayed sad, I would not have won medals in 2002 and 2006. We need to move forward in a disciplined manner. I believe our athletes can create a new history by winning the yellow medal in 2026,” said Deepak Bista, director of Mission 2026.

Olympian Bista, who won two bronzes in taekwondo in the Asian Games, is currently overseeing the preparation of the national players for the 20th edition.

“To win a medal, an athlete should be professional. With training, an athlete needs experience and learning from experts. I want commitment from the players because we are ready to support you in every way,” said Tanka Lal Ghising, member-secretary at the NSC.

Ghising also urged the coaches and associations to recommend players for abroad training and request foreign coaches if needed. 

“The NSC has allocated a budget to send players for training and practice matches abroad. We will also help if associations want foreign coaches. But first, the players and officials should come up with a plan,” Ghising added.