Government Intensifies Preparations for 10th National Games

The government has ramped up preparations for the 10th National Games, set to take place in Karnali province for the first time. The construction of physical infrastructure is progressing rapidly, with the tournament viewed as a matter of prestige for the region.

Officials have stated that most of the necessary infrastructure is nearly complete, and they are working to ensure the games take place as scheduled, the state-owned news agency RSS reported. However, with the games just two and a half months away, concerns are mounting about potential delays. The recent change in government has raised fears that the event might be postponed.

According to RSS, Minister for Sports Tejulal Chaudhary, who recently visited Surkhet to assess the progress, expressed concern that preparations are insufficient to meet the deadline.

The logo, mascot, and theme song for the games scheduled to be held from November 17 to 24, have already been unveiled. 

Meanwhile, the Province Sports Development Council has initiated the 100-day countdown. However, Chief Minister Yamlal Kandel argued that the countdown should only begin once all preparations are finalized. In contrast, Bishwamitra Sanjyal, the Karnali Sports Council member secretary, assured that there is no need to delay the tournament. 

"The province stadium, which is the main venue for the National Games, is 90 percent complete. We expect the remaining work to finish by mid-October, so infrastructure will not be a reason to postpone," he said.

The facilities for hosting 24 matches are nearly finished, and key stakeholders are pushing for the competition to be held on time.