SURKHET: The stadium meant for the 10th National Games is nearing completion in Birendranagar, the capital of Karnali Province. However, the delay in announcing event dates has made the province’s biggest sporting event uncertain.
Initially scheduled for November 17–24 last year, the 10th National Games were postponed by four months to April 5-12, citing incomplete infrastructure and other logistical challenges. The games were rescheduled for May 17–24 when the new dates also proved unfeasible. It has become almost certain that the games won’t be held on the new dates. Closed camp training for athletes has not been held, putting athletes and stakeholders in limbo.
Despite these setbacks, Karnali has made notable progress in developing sports infrastructure. The Provincial Stadium in Birendranagar has made more than 90% physical progress, with finishing touches progressing rapidly. Built at Rs 1.59 billion, the stadium is expected to enhance the city’s aesthetic appeal. According to Karnali Province Sports Council, the stadium has been built as per international standards.
Speaking during the launch of the event secretariat in Birendranagar, Minister for Youth and Sports Teju Lal Chaudhary said the government is committed to holding the games in Karnali. “I have consulted with environmental experts, and they have assured me the heat won’t be an issue,” he added.
Chaudhary also clarified that not all events could be held in Karnali. Of the 24 sports planned for the province, 17 could take place in Surkhet, with the remaining seven hosted in other districts. He added that some events would be held in Kathmandu or Nepalgunj. “There could be challenges in accommodating all athletes in Surkhet. We have formed a main organizing committee. It will look into these issues,” he added.
The federal government has allocated Rs 600 million for the 10th National Games. However, the delay in category-wise budget allocation slowed the progress and preparations for the event. Further complicating matters, the government reduced the allocated budget by 25%, raising concerns over whether the revised budget of Rs 450 million would be sufficient.
Ghanshyam Bhandari, chairperson of the Karnali Province Sports Development Council, said the federal government has failed to provide necessary cooperation and coordination with the provincial government. “We are ready to host all 24 events planned for Karnali, but the central government needs to trust us,” he said. “We still don’t know if the games will actually happen in May.”
Bhandari said that a final decision must come from the federal cabinet. He added that the province is willing to build whatever infrastructure is necessary and is committed to making the games a success.
The provincial sports council estimates that around 10,000 participants—including athletes, coaches, and organizers—will participate in the event.
“While the National Sports Council (NSC), under the federal government, is the main organizer, Karnali is taking proactive steps to ensure the games are held as planned,” Bhandari said.
The new stadium complex features a 10,000-seat grandstand, a football pitch, an eight-lane 400-meter synthetic athletics track, a swimming pool, a covered volleyball hall, courts for handball and basketball, a martial arts hall, changing rooms, restrooms, a medical and physiotherapy unit, referee rooms and a fully equipped media center. Additional facilities have also been developed, including a football field in Chisapani and cricket and rugby fields in Kalinchok.
Bishwamitra Sanjyal, former member secretary of the provincial sports council, said hosting events across eight of Karnali’s ten districts (excluding Dolpa and Mugu) could help boost local tourism.
Over 600 athletes from Karnali are expected to participate in the event. Historically, the province has lagged in sports development and finished last in the 9th National Games due to inadequate infrastructure and training. However, recent developments and the rising success of local athletes have shown that Karnali can compete.
