'Mission 2026 aims to bring joy to nation'

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, July 23: Member Secretary of the National Sports Council (NSC), Tanka Lal Ghising, said Mission 2026 was launched with the aim of bringing happiness to the nation.

The NSC is preparing the national team to win two medals — including one gold — at the 20th Asian Games in Japan next year.

Ghising spoke during a strategic meeting on Tuesday with officials and head coaches from ten sports associations. These associations were part of last year’s elite training programme under Mission 2026. The meeting took place at the International Sports Complex in Satdobato.

“Mission 2026 is meant to make the country proud. Our goal is to win double-digit medals, including golds, at the Asian Games in Japan,” he said. “By that time, I will have retired, but that does not matter. What matters is that athletes must get uninterrupted training opportunities to succeed.”

He stressed that sports associations play a key role in making the mission successful. “Only thirteen months are left before the Games begin. Please submit a clear and detailed action plan within the next week,” he added.

Ghising also urged associations to expand their global connections. He encouraged them to work with international federations and embassies to increase exposure for training.

Although the current budget stands at NPR 27 million, Ghising told stakeholders not to worry. “If solid plans are presented, NSC will take serious steps to secure more funding,” he said.

He added that the establishment of a High Performance Centre and a Sports Science Research Institute in Nepal will help athletes improve significantly.

Director of National Team Preparation, Deepak Bista, said the meeting was held to gather ideas on how to make training more effective. He added that training will begin after athletes undergo fitness tests.

During the meeting, representatives and head coaches discussed many areas, including equipment, events, exposure tours, training venues, athlete quotas, foreign coaches, overseas training, better facilities, nutrition, and sparring partners.

This is the first time in Nepal’s sports history that long-term preparations have started for any Asian Games or international competition. Last year, 121 people — including 99 athletes from 10 sports disciplines such as Para Taekwondo, along with 22 coaches — received special training with full support.