SURKHET: The 10th National Games, to be hosted by Karnali Province from February 13–19, have become uncertain due to slow preparations and delays in appointing officials to the Provincial Sports Development Council.
The games, which were initially scheduled for mid-November 2024, were postponed to April, citing inadequate preparations. Recently, the government decided to hold the games in the third week of February. However, the event has again been thrown into doubt due to management-related challenges.
Karnali’s Minister for Social Development, Ghanashyam Bhandari, said 21 applications have been received for the post of member secretary of the council and that the selection process has already begun. “Once the budget is released, sports activities will gain momentum,” he said.
Construction of the Karnali Provincial Stadium, considered a flagship project of the Karnali Province government, has achieved 97% physical progress. Built with an investment of Rs 1.59 billion, the stadium is in its final phase of completion. According to the plan, 16 of the 24 games will be held in Surkhet, while the remaining eight games will be organized in other districts of Karnali.
Even as the games draw closer, the Karnali Province government has yet to begin official closed training camps for athletes. Athletes from judo, karate, boxing, cricket, and football are training on their own.
Coach Pradeep Rai said delays in forming the council have created problems in establishing a secretariat and ensuring coordination for the games. Another coach, Sona Thapa, said political infighting has disrupted the sporting environment and slowed preparations, leaving athletes increasingly frustrated.
Padam Bahadur Shahi, president of the local Hotel Entrepreneurs’ Association, said that although the private sector is ready to provide accommodation and meals to athletes, there has been a lack of coordination from the provincial government. “Uncertainty has grown as the provincial and federal governments shift responsibility onto each other,” he added.
Karnali finished at the bottom of the standings in the ninth National Games hosted by Gandaki Province. This time, Karnali is aiming to field more than 600 athletes.
