Govt allocates Rs 2.4 billion for Asian Games, SAG and National Games

Published On: May 30, 2018 09:45 AM NPT

Announces one stadium in each province
No specific announcement on cricket
Those involved in cricket disappointed

KATHMANDU, May 30: Finance Minister Yubaraj Khatiwada has allocated Rs 2.4 billion for organizing the 18th Asian Games, the 13th South Asian Games and the eighth National Games to be held later this year.

The budget will be spent for preparation, infrastructure development and smooth hosting of the reputed international competitions.

The annual budget allocated for the sports sector has been increased by 16 million from the last year’s fiscal budget. Last year, the then finance minister, Krishna Bahadur Mahara, allocated Rs 2.24 billion for the entire sports sector.

“I have arranged necessary budget to build stadiums, playing grounds, youth clubs and parks in each local unit in joint coordination with the local units,” Khatiwada announced while presenting the annual budget in the joint parliament session on Tuesday. “I have arranged budget to build at least one province-level stadium in each province.”

However, those involved in cricket sector have termed the budget disappointing for the cricket sector.

“It would have been better if specific amounts or plans were announced in budget speech for the betterment of not only cricket, but overall sports. Concrete planning will only bring glory and pride for Nepali sports in the long-term,” said Jagat Tamatta, the head coach of the Nepal national cricket team.

Also, Subash Shahi, the chairman of Dhangadhi Premier League said he was discouraged by the budget allocated for the sector. “It is disappointing to not see specific budgets for cricket stadiums when Nepali cricketers are doing so well in international competitions,” said Subash Shahi, the chairman of Dhangadhi Premier League and the head campaigner of the Dream Fapla, proposed international cricket stadium.