Sahara Academy inaugurated

POKHARA, Feb 8: Sahara Club of Pokhara has built its own football academy and playground with support from domestic and foreign donors. The academy located at Dobilla, Pokhara-17, was inaugurated on Friday by All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) President Ganesh Thapa.



"We succeeded in building the academy with generous support from foreign and domestic donors. Had we not received support the academy would have remained a far-fetched dream," said Bikram Thapa, the president of the academy, during the inauguration ceremony. [break]



"The academy has given a new identity to Sahara. The academy has proven that social service is possible through sports. The academy has made the whole Pokhara proud," Thakali said.



According to Thakali, the club plans to provide football training to underprivileged children and orphans along with education. "We sought donations from both within and outside the country. We also collected fund through deusi."







According to the club´s treasurer Bishwaraj Baral, Sahara UK provided more than Rs 7.3 million for the construction while Sahara Hong Kong provided Rs 1.8 million. Similarly, the club received Rs 1.3 million from Pokhara Children Academy Trust (PCAT), Rs 400,000 from Doha, Qatar and Rs 3.6 million from different individuals and institutions in Pokhara. Likewise, Rs 1 million was collected from across the country.



"We collected a total of Rs 15.5 million through donations," said Baral. According to Baral, construction of the academy cost Rs 11.5 million while other infrastructure cost Rs 6.8 million.



Meanwhile, the donors also praised Sahara for its selfless work and vowed to continue their support in future. "No words of praise will be sufficient for Sahara and its deeds. We are committed to supporting Sahara in future as well," said Dilip Gurung, the coordinator of Sahara UK.



The club, established in 2055 BS, started its own academy three years later with 20 children from Pokhara. National football player Anil Gurung is a first batch product of the academy. In 2061 BS, 20 children were selected from 13 districts. The club plans to start new session three months later.



Meanwhile, ANFA President Ganesh Thapa lauded the role of Sahara and promised to support Sahara in future. "I and ANFA will lend full support to the academy," said Thapa, adding, "Besides this I will also take initiatives for support from the government."



"There are lots of challenges in running the academy and support from foreign donors is a must. Such academy will motivate players," said Thapa.

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