"I´m aware of the headlines tomorrow´s newspapers would carry. My only concern is to see to it that my steps help the development of Nepali sports. I´m not concerned about what the media reports," said Lama, who was there to bid farewell to the Nepali team participating in the Youth Asian Games. The game is scheduled to be held in Nanjing, China from August 16 to 24. [break]
"I´m here since Nepal is participating in Nanjing and I thought it is my duty to bid farewell to the participating athletes," said Lama. "Our athletes are carrying the national flag and the unwanted dispute on Olympic issue could send a negative message. I´m here not to let that happen," he added.
Lama also hinted that the two sports authorities would work together in future. "We have given a good message to Nepali sports fraternity today that coordination is a must," said Lama.
NSC and NOC were at loggerheads since the build-up to the London Olympics last year and the leaders of the two institutions had not met officially since, until NOC President Dhruba Bahadur Pradhan and Treasurer Chhimi Urken Gurung made a courtesy visit to NSC on July 26.
Citing the Supreme Court verdict of November 4, 2010, NSC had been asking the national sports associations to sever ties with the Pradhan-led NOC. Two different NOCs -- one led by Pradhan and the other led by Rukma SJB Rana -- have been claiming legitimacy. While the Supreme Court´s verdict recognized the Rana-led committee, IOC has recognized the committee led by Pradhan.
"I can claim that the current NSC leadership is not narrow-minded regarding the NOC issue, it´s the lack of coordination that has been creating problems and confusion," said Lama.
He accused the NOC of not following the Olympic Charter and lambasted it for favoring certain officials.
"Karate Federation has conducted election and has been working for the development of the game. It has been sending athletes to international competitions but some people do not want this. Nepal Hockey Association has not conducted election for more than a decade," said Lama. "The NOC with international recognition has to solve these issues. The NOC should support us in solving the dispute regarding athletics and gymnastic associations," he added.
"If you don´t follow the system, you always face such problems," said Lama.
NOC President Pradhan described the presence of NSC Member Secretary Lama at the NOC office as the development of a new scenario in Nepali sports.
"We have to get rid of our ego. We can reach nowhere by digging the past," he added.
Pradhan said that it is the government´s duty to solve the NOC dispute. "My only fear regarding the dispute is the likelihood of IOC asking us if we are in the Olympic Movement. Government should work on this," said Pradhan.
He praised the NSC member secretary for convincing the government into allocating a record budget for the sports sector.
NOC General Secretary Jeevan Ram Shrestha said that the recent turn of events has proved that leaders of Nepali sports are capable of solving any dispute and confusion by themselves.
"NSC has been working for the development of Nepali sports with a goal and coordination between the two sports bodies would help in achieving that goal," said Shrestha.
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