NOC seeks govt cooperation to end disputes

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmanu, Dec. 30: The President of the Nepal Olympic Committee (NOC), Jeevan Ram Shrestha, has said the NOC is ready to work with all stakeholders to advance Nepali sport.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the NOC’s 21st General Assembly in Kathmandu on Monday, Shrestha reaffirmed the NOC's commitment to the development of athletes and sporting activities. 

He also called for an end to the disputes and controversies that have plagued Nepali sport.

Referring to the ongoing NOC dispute, Shrestha accused the government and judiciary of dragging the Olympic body into unnecessary conflict. 

He claimed that even those familiar with the Olympic movement were creating needless complications, holding sport hostage. 

Shrestha also urged the Olympic spirit to channel onto the playing field rather than into controversy.

NOC President further requested the government to hand over the NOC headquarters at Satdobato to his leadership. “It is unfortunate that we are unable to work from the building constructed with the support of the International Olympic Committee. Padlocking the NOC building has sent a negative message internationally. In the past, politics overshadowed the Olympic movement. The current government should recognise this and extend its cooperation,” he said.

He also welcomed the National Sports Council’s decision to participate in the 20th Asian Games. “If the disputes end quickly, Nepali athletes could compete in the Asiad with their heads held high,” he added.

Under Shrestha’s chairmanship, the General Assembly unanimously endorsed the Secretary General Rajiv Shrestha’s progress report. 

The financial statement, the annual budget, and the calender for 2026 were also endorsed. 

The Assembly proposed the formation of a Prevention of Manipulation of Sports Committee (PMC), coordinated by former athlete and ex-Deputy Inspector General of Nepal Police, Kiran Bajracharya.

Representatives from 23 national sports federations affiliated with the Olympic movement attended the session.