SURKHET: Karnali Chief Minister Yam Lal Kandel has said that the 10th National Games, scheduled to be held in Karnali Province, have been postponed due to the federal government. He clarified that the provincial government bears no responsibility for the delay.
Speaking at a meeting with sports associations and coaches in Surkhet on Friday, Kandel said that the provincial government had no involvement whatsoever in the decision to postpone the event.
The 10th National Games were scheduled to take place in Karnali Province from May 17 to May 24, 2025. A board meeting of the National Sports Council (NSC) held on April 11 decided to postpone the event until further notice.
Kandel added that he had consistently advised the federal Ministry of Youth and Sports to organize the event as scheduled. Expressing frustration with the ministry’s lack of clarity and inadequate preparation, Kandel said the event got postponed because of the indecision of the federal ministry.
The Chief Minister also expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of tangible progress despite the establishment of the National Games Secretariat in Surkhet. He also said the federal government has not provided infrastructure support to the provincial government to hold the games.
“In the past, the federal government spent tens of millions of rupees on infrastructure for national games held elsewhere. However, no investment has been made for Karnali’s infrastructure,” Kandel added.
Kandel assured that the provincial government would leave no stone unturned in hosting the 10th National Games. “Even though the federal government is the organizer, this competition is tied to Karnali’s future. The provincial government will provide full cooperation and support to ensure its success,” he added.
