‘Two karate federations exist in India and both are claiming to host the event,” said Dhruba Bikram Malla, general secretary of Nepal Karate Federation. [break]
“Both of them are trying to organize the event in a bid to get international recognition and it is still uncertain whether the event will be organised or not.”
“We have not yet decided whether we will participate in the event or not. We are discussing with other members of South Asia. We will participate only if other countries participate. Otherwise, we won’t,” Malla told Republica.
Nepali team, training under the Mission SAG program of National Sports Council (NSC), has been enthusiastic about its participation in the SAF Karate Champtionship.
Bijay Lama, Sunil Lama, Binod Maharjan, Mukunda Maharjan and Digar Dev Bhatta are male players undergoing training for SAG. Bhatta came as replacement of Binod Shakya in 75 kg as Shakya sustained fracture in his hand during training. Similarly, Malika Thapa, Anu Adhikari, Rozi Nagarkoti, Laxmi Bhatta, Ganga Adhikari are the women players.
A team of 10 Nepali karate players had started preparation for SAG from September 8 and are undergoing training sessions twice a day. All the members of the team including coach Dipak Shrestha were eager to participate in the event.
“We need to select 10 more players for the Championship and the selection will be conducted promptly,” said coach Shrestha, who seemed unaware of the dispute in Indian karate till Monday evening.
“The players are ready and the event could be very helpful in the course of SAG preparation as it provides exposure to players. SAF Championship is an important tournament as our players have to face the same opponents and countries in the SAG also,” said Shrestha.
Related story
Asta Laxmi became Bagmati CM as per my wish, but she now is in...
-1200x560-1779450784.webp)
