Locals demand budget for nat'l games

KATHMANDU, July 21: The denizens of Far Western Region have demanded that the date for Sixth National Games slated at Dhangadi of the Far Western region be fixed. The game last year was scheduled to he held at Dhangadi but was cancelled at the last moment owing to lack of infrastructure and inadequate preparations.



At an interaction organized by Far Western Sports Development Forum and Pressure Group with the slogan of Sixth National Games in Far Western Region the locals have demanded allocation of more budget citing that Rs 130 million earmarked by the government would be insufficient to build physical infrastructure and conduct events there. [break]



Last year, the government had allocated Rs 100 million for the event but was frozen later.



Similarly, they have also demanded to open a secretariat in Dhangadi and contact office in Kathmandu for smooth preparations and completion of the games.



Minister for Forest and Soil Conservation Bhanubhakta Joshi suggested to start the work with the allocated budget and also assured of taking initiatives to get additional budget.



National Sports Council (NSC) Member Secretary Yubaraj Lama said that NSC was committed to hold the games at Far Western Region.



Former Minister Ramesh Lekhak said that budget and implementation of the program were closely linked.



"The government has already allocated budget and it must be brought to use as soon as possible," said Lekhak adding, "If we do not utilize the budget on time, it might get shifted to other places."

Related story

Infographics: The massive costs behind Olympic games