Karnali to host 10th National Games in February

KATHMANDU: The government has decided to hold the 10th National Games in Karnali Province on February 13-19.

A cabinet meeting held on Monday made the decision, according to Government Spokesperson Minister for Communication & Information Technology Jagdish Kharel.

The 115th board meeting of the National Sports Council during the 9th National Games held in Gandaki Province in 2022 announced that the 10th National Games will be held in Karnali Province from November 17 to November 24, 2024. However, the 118th board meeting of the NSC postponed the dates to April 5-12, 2025, citing a lack of preparations. However, the games could be held even in the new schedule.

This marks the first time that Karnali Province will be hosting the games. Events will be held across eight districts, with Surkhet serving as the main centre.

A total of 11 teams, including seven provincial teams, three departmental clubs—Tribhuvan Army Club, Nepal Police Club, and Armed Police Force Club—and a team representing the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), will participate in the games.

The Karnali Provincial Stadium in Birendranagar, the province’s capital, is almost ready. Built with an investment of approximately Rs 2 billion, the stadium boasts a 10,000-seat grandstand, a football pitch, an eight-lane 400-meter synthetic track, a swimming pool, covered volleyball and basketball halls, martial arts facilities, and a media centre, among other amenities.

The Karnali Province Sports Council estimates that around 10,000 participants—including athletes, coaches, and organizers—will participate in the event.

The 9th National Games, held in Gandaki Province (Pokhara) in 2022, featured over 6,000 athletes competing in 36 disciplines.