KATHMANDU, May 26: The Ministry of Youth and Sports has set ambitious agendas for the upcoming fiscal year. The ministry plans to establish sports science labs, procuring top-notch fitness equipment for athletes, promoting indigenous and traditional sports, and instituting programs to identify talented athletes.

As per the directive of the government to prepare a budget proposal within the ceiling of Rs 3.19 billion, the ministry has put forth an array of visionary programs. These include the prioritization of essential infrastructure for the construction of a cricket stadium, with special emphasis on athlete fitness tests, training programs for coaches, promotion of adventurous sports, and high-altitude training.

This year's success story of Nepali para taekwondo player, Palesha Goverdhan, who secured a spot in the Olympics and clinched a medal at the Asian Games, has encouraged the government to increase investment in the sports sector. The ministry has proposed a budget of Rs 150 million to support training and competitions for para taekwondo. Additionally, a budget of Rs 700 million has been demanded for the development of the Mulpani Cricket Stadium and TU Cricket Stadium.

Further budgetary demands include the construction of the Pokhara Cricket Stadium, allocation of Rs 30 million for the establishment of a sports lab, and Rs 70 million for a high-altitude training center. Moreover, there is a call for Rs 100 million to fund the construction of the Biratnagar Cricket Stadium, along with provisions for floodlights and scoreboards at the TU Cricket Stadium in Kirtipur. The Kohalpur Cricket Stadium has also been included for development in the upcoming budget.

A budget of Rs 40 million has been sought for organizing various international competitions in the next fiscal year. Recognizing the increasing popularity of e-sports, the ministry has also set aside funds for its development.

Moreover, the ministry has stressed the importance of supporting various martial arts competitions, as well as national sports like volleyball, which have historically brought glory to Nepali sports. 

Budgetary provisions have been requested for sports injury insurance for national players, as well as for the preparation for the inaugural Para-National Games and the 2026 Asian Games. Additionally, the ministry has sought funds for the 10th National Games, National Karate Championship, International Rugby League, Women's League Football, and Talent Hunt programs.