Govt to promote tourism through sports: Minister Chaudhary

Jhapa, Aug. 10: Minister for Youth and Sports Tejulal Chaudhary has said that the government is working on a plan to promote tourism through sports.

During an inspection of the Kakadbhitta Sports Ground today, Minister Chaudhary stated that the facility, located at Nepal’s eastern border, has the potential to attract tourists.

He informed that the federal government has allocated Rs 30 million in the current fiscal year 2025/26 for upgrading the sports ground.

“There are many examples of Nepali athletes earning millions through cricket, football, and volleyball,” he said while addressing local representatives, athletes, and sports enthusiasts. “We are situated between two large countries, and with the construction of the Asian Highway, the importance of the Kakadbhitta Sports Ground will increase internationally,” he added.

Minister Chaudhary emphasised that sports serve as a medium for entertainment, health, and tourism, and acknowledged the significant contributions of athletes from Kakadbhitta in raising the country's profile.

He further stated that the government has allocated Rs 6 billion for the sports sector this fiscal year, and preparations are underway to hand over the Kakadbhitta Sports Ground to the local and provincial governments.

Regarding the ongoing land ownership dispute, where the sports ground is claimed by the Rural Housing Company, he stressed that the land should be brought under the ownership of the local government as soon as possible. He assured that the federal government is ready to transfer the land to the municipality and support the development of necessary infrastructure.

On the occasion, Mechinagar Mayor Gopal Budhathoki, Deputy Mayor Meena Upreti, former Mayor Bimal Acharya, and others raised concerns about issues related to sports activities and the condition of the ground in Kakadbhitta.

Minister Chaudhary is also scheduled to inaugurate the Indo-Nepal Inter-School Karate Competition taking place in Charali, Mechinagar, later on Saturday.