PM Oli takes stock of sports issues, assures on budget

Published On: January 14, 2019 11:10 AM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

National Sports Council Member Secretary Keshav Kumar Bista (left), Minister for Youth and Sports Jagat Bahadur Bishwakarma (second left) and NSC Vice-President Pitambar Timsina (right) poses with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at the prime minister’s official residence in Baluwatar, Kathmandu on Saturday. Photo: Republica

KATHMANDU, Jan 14: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is also a patron of the National Sports Council (NSC), has directed the sports authorities to work toward resolving the problems in Nepali sports and submit a written report within 10 days.

PM Oli had invited the Minister for Youth and Sports Jagat Bahadur Bishwakarma, NSC Vice-President Pitambar Timsina and Member Secretary Keshav Kumar Bista to his residence in Baluwatar on Saturday evening.

PM Oli had invited the officials to take stock of the progress, problems and mismanagement in Nepali sports. He directed them to present a report on the eighth National Games, conflicts between different associations, and irregularities in the associations. He told the officials that he has been watching the recent issues and problems related to Nepali sports.

“We could not present the report as the Prime Minister called us immediately,” said Vice-President Timsina, “He wanted to be informed about the past work details in sports. We only informed him orally, but the Prime Minister has directed us to present a report on the work details within 10 days.”

PM Oli also showed concerns about the preparations of the National Games to be held in Nepalgunj, and about conflicts and irregularities in the associations.

“He asked us about the conflicts in the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA). Member Secretary Bista has written to the current ANFA President Karma Tshering Sherpa in that regard. He said that the necessary investigation will be carried out after getting a reply,” Timsina said.

“The Prime Minister has directed us to present and detailed report of the developments in the sports sector and the construction works related to the Eighth National Games,” he added.

Meanwhile, Member Secretary Bista appreciated the Prime Minister’s concerns on the country’s sports sector. “It is very encouraging for us that the PM has shown concerns about the upcoming Eighth National Games, the 13th South Asian Games (SAG) to be held in Nepal, and the problems in the sports associations.”

“He asked about the National Games and the SAG. He also assured us about budget and told us not to be worried,” Bista added. “He told us that no tournament should be stopped in lack of budget.”