Nepal finds hope in sports amid political turmoil

By Pramod Joshi,Kathmandu, Oct. 17: At a time when the nation is recovering from political instability and violent unrest following the Gen-Z protests, Nepal has discovered a radiant source of hope in sport.

The Gen-Z protests on 8 and 9 September, fuelled by youth outrage over government corruption and a ban on social media platforms, shook the country, destabilised the government, and left public and private infrastructure charred. The unrest reportedly claimed more than 70 lives.

In the aftermath of this deadly upheaval and widespread negativity, Nepal’s sporting heroes have stepped up to instil joy and positivity by achieving international milestones.

Ultra-trail runner Sunmaya Budha clinched the silver medal at the 2025 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships, held in the rugged terrain of Canfranc, Spain, on 28 September.

Competing against elite runners from 80 nations in the gruelling 81-kilometre trail event, Budha completed the course in 10 hours and 23 minutes, securing second place on the global stage.

Likewise, Nepali karate star Arika Gurung added another milestone to her name by winning Nepal’s first-ever gold medal at the WKF (World Karate Federation) Karate 1-Series A, held in Kuala Lumpur in the first week of October. She triumphed in the women’s Kumite over 68 kg category.

On 8 September—the very day of the Gen-Z protests—the Nepali national women’s cricket team clinched a 3–2 victory in the five-match bilateral T20 International series against Malaysia. Captain Indu Barma became the first Nepali woman to surpass 1,000 T20I runs.

Of all the recent sporting achievements, the success of the Nepali men’s cricket team has taken the nation by storm. 

The team delivered a historic T20 International series win over the West Indies—two-time T20 World Champions and a Full Member of the International Cricket Council. Played in Sharjah, UAE, from 27 to 30 September, the three-match series saw Nepal triumph 2–1, marking their first-ever bilateral series victory against a Test-playing nation.

World Cup dream realized

Adding to the euphoria, on Wednesday evening (15 October), Nepal qualified for its third T20 World Cup—its second consecutive appearance in the global event.

Three spots were available for the 2026 T20 World Cup finals, set to take place in India and Sri Lanka. The top three teams from the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia/East Asia-Pacific Qualifier in Oman were to secure those places.

Maintaining an unbeaten run, Nepal defeated hosts Oman by 38 runs on Wednesday night, confirming their top position with eight points.

However, Nepal’s qualification had already been secured earlier that day, thanks to UAE’s victory over Samoa and Qatar’s win against Japan at Al Amerat Ground—guaranteeing Nepal and Oman top-three finishes. 

Nepal will now join regional neighbours India and Sri Lanka (who qualified as hosts), alongside Australia, England, South Africa, West Indies, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, the United States, New Zealand, Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, the Netherlands, Italy, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Oman, and the UAE.

For every sports fan, the ultimate dream is to see their national team play in the World Cup. The Nepali men’s cricket team has been fulfilling this dream. Nepal made its maiden entry onto the global stage at the 2014 T20 World Cup in Bangladesh. A decade later, the team returned for the 2024 edition held in the USA and West Indies.

Nepal captain Rohit Paudel expressed his elation: “We’ve been dreaming of this for nearly a year, and today that dream has come true. I simply can’t put it into words. This moment has brought immense joy to the entire team.”

He added, “From the players to the officials, everyone has played a vital role in this success. Thank you to all. Now, our aim is to become champions.”

More than just sporting milestones, these achievements arrived at a time when national morale was at a historic low. The Gen-Z uprising—driven by frustration over unemployment, corruption, and lack of opportunity—had left the country fractured. 

These victories—on the cricket pitch, karate mat, and mountain trail—have done more than fill headlines. They offer a blueprint for resilience, proving that even in the darkest times, discipline, passion, and teamwork can light the way forward.

Widespread applause

Sport has emerged as a unifying force, reminding citizens of their shared identity and collective potential.

Social media buzzed with Nepal’s triumphant qualification for the World Cup. The achievement drew widespread applause from the global cricketing community, including international stars, cricket boards, teams, and fans.

President Ramchandra Paudel and Prime Minister Sushila Karki took to their social media accounts to congratulate the Nepali cricket team right after the historical achievement. 

President Paudel has expressed joy over Nepal’s qualifying for the T20 World Cup for the third time. He extended heartfelt congratulations to all the players, coaches, and the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN). 

President Paudel stated that this success marks a proud moment for Nepal’s sporting sector. He remarked, “Your continuous hard work, dedication, and discipline in achieving this historic milestone are truly commendable.”

Prime Minister Karki praised the players’ tireless effort, dedication, and commitment to the nation.

She wrote: “Heartfelt congratulations to Nepal for qualifying for the T20 World Cup for the third time (and second time in a row). I commend the relentless hard work of the players and the entire team. Wishing you all the best for an outstanding performance in the World Cup. I also want to reaffirm the government’s continued support and cooperation in the development of cricket.”

Paras Khadka, Secretary of the Cricket Association of Nepal and former national captain, shared an inspiring message: In between, Dreams and Reality: We are heading towards our Third World Cup. Congratulations and best wishes to everyone associated with Nepal Cricket as we embark on this incredible journey together. 

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) carries this vision to grow, aspire, inspire, and revolutionise 

sport in our nation. We now stand on the cusp of history—a defining moment in our cricketing journey on and off the field.

“With the unwavering support of every stakeholder within Nepal and across the globe, we believe our dreams are within reach to see Nepal become a Full Member nation. To every kid out there with a bat or ball in hand: Your dreams are ours as well. Let’s go, Nepal!”