Bista eager to mediate in NOC dispute

KATHMANDU, July 1: Newly appointed member secretary of National Sports Council (NSC), Keshav Kumar Bista, on Wednesday said that he was ready to play a mediating role to solve the dispute between two Nepal Olympic Committees.

Bista made such statement during a program organized by the internationally recognized NOC to welcome him.

"There are two NOCs in the country; one is internationally recognized and the other recognized by the Supreme Court of the country. We cannot participate in international tournaments sidestepping the internationally recognized NOC, while defying the verdict of the Supreme Court sets a bad precedent. So, it is necessary to solve the dispute and I am ready to play the role of a mediator," said Bista.Dhruba Bahadur Pradhan is the president of internationally recognized NOC, while Rukma Sumsher Rana leads the NOC reinstated by the Supreme Court verdict.

Bista said the future of Nepali sports will plunge into darkness if the disputes between the NOCs and other sports associations are not resolved.

Speaking on the occasion, internationally recognized NOC Chief Dhruba Bahadur Pradhan said there were no countries in the world were two Olympic committees exist.

He also spoke in favor of independent sports association and said it was the responsibility of the NOC to prevent sports bodies from outside meddling. Pradhan also lamented that Nepal could not receive full international support due to government's interference in sports. "However, friendly environment has been created lately and sports development could take place if NOC, NSC and sports association work together."

Pradhan also urged the NSC to come up with plans to prepare for the 12th South Asian Games expected to be held by the end of the year.

NOC General Secretary Jeevan Ram Shrestha said that the appointment of new member secretary at NSC had increased the possibility of coordination with the government. He also stressed on support from all sides to rebuild the infrastructure of sports damaged by April 25 earthquake and aftershocks.

Meanwhile, NOC office bearers also bade farewell to men's basketball team leaving for Bangalore, India, on Thursday to compete in the Fourth South Asian Basketball Championship to be held from July 3 to 5. Sadish Pradhan is the skipper of the team and Bikash Shahi is the coach. The tournament will also serve as the qualifiers for 28th FIBA Asian Championship.

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