POKHARA, Nov 26: As the clock ticks to the start of the 13th South Asian Games (SAG), it still remains uncertain whether Nepal can prepare the physical infrastructure of Pokhara Stadium and other venues where various events are scheduled to be held. 

Among others, the contractor is under intense pressure to complete works for fitting parapet at the stadium. Parapet has been installed on the western side so far. Work is underway on the eastern side. 

Authorities have ordered to contractor to settle the marking works of the track and field before constructing the stadium. 

“The British technicians have already arrived to work on the track and field marking,” said Dipak Baral, project manager of Indian Great Sports Infra and MA Construction. 

“After we mark the track, we will go on to mark the football ground. The technical team from the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) will arrive to the site for the marking of the ground.” 

The British technicians arrived only Sunday night for track and field marking. India and Nepali workers are cooperating with the technicians on the issue. 

Around two weeks ago, French technicians arrived at Pokhara for the installation of parapet in the stadium. Nepal Police and other workers on the ground are working together for the installation of parapet and seats. With the grass being brought to the ground from time to time, the stadium construction has not taken full pace yet. 

There are only five days left for the games to start.

However, the contractor company said it has been working with a strong belief that it will prepare the ground before the start of the games. 

“The old grass has already been set and the new set of grass will be placed as soon as possible,” Baral said. 

“When playing football, old grass can be replaced with the new one. The new grass patches will be put if the old ones go off.” It has been confirmed that 25,000 square meter of grass has arrived recently, among which half has already been installed along the east side of the ground. 

Almost 11,000 square meter of grass has been accumulated so far. The accumulated grass will be placed according to the need of the situation, the company added. 

An inspection team including Chief Minister Prithivi Subba Gurung of Gandaki Province has inspected the ground where the construction works were still underway. Gurung has directed the workers to be fully attentive and focused on their work, citing that the 13th SAG was a matter of national pride. 

Along with football, hammer throw around the track and field, discuss throw, javelin throw, pole vault, shot put, high jump, long jump, and staple chess are scheduled to be played on the ground. Baral further added that the infrastructure for athletics will also be ready behind the D-Area of the football ground. 

Likewise, the company claimed that the football ground, when fully constructed, will be an exemplary ground. 

 
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