Gandaki Province Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey has reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to promoting sports tourism and the overall development of the sports sector. Speaking at the inauguration of the Gandaki Province-level President Running Shield Tournament in Gorkha, Chief Minister Pandey emphasized that sports development remains one of the government’s strategic priorities despite limited resources.
Sports as a Vehicle for Tourism and Development
Addressing participants, officials, and spectators at the event, Chief Minister Pandey highlighted that the Gandaki Province government has adopted a proactive policy to advance sports tourism. He acknowledged the increasing potential of the sports sector in contributing to regional tourism and youth development, particularly in a geographically diverse and culturally rich province like Gandaki.
“The provincial government has been consistently supporting small and large-scale sporting events, recognizing the importance of such platforms for nurturing athletic talent and boosting tourism simultaneously,” Pandey said.
He reiterated that although financial and logistical resources are limited, the government has not abandoned its responsibility toward sports. “We may not be in a position to do everything, but we are doing everything we can,” he added.
Direct Support for Athletes and Referees
Highlighting government support mechanisms, Chief Minister Pandey announced that the province has arranged for monthly allowances for athletes from Gandaki who qualify for participation in the Olympic Games. “There was a time when aspiring athletes had to skip meals to pursue their dreams. That is no longer the case,” he said, underlining the improved support system now in place for dedicated athletes.
The Chief Minister also stated that the government has introduced insurance coverage for athletes throughout their training and competition periods. In addition, referees officiating in provincial-level games are now covered under a permanent insurance scheme, ensuring protection and motivation for all involved in the sports ecosystem.
Infrastructure Initiatives and Challenges
Pandey elaborated on the province’s commitment to developing modern sports infrastructure. “We had planned to construct an international standard cricket stadium in the Pokhara region. However, due to unavailability of land, the project is currently on hold,” he explained.
Nonetheless, the government has been making significant investments in other infrastructure projects. One such project is the construction of a high-altitude sports ground in Mustang, which is progressing with financial support from the provincial government. The project has recently attracted attention from the federal government, which is now showing interest in adopting the initiative as a national-level facility.
“These kinds of developments demonstrate how Gandaki is becoming a model for sports-related investments and tourism-based infrastructure,” Pandey remarked.
President Running Shield: A Platform for Rising Talent
The President Running Shield, one of the most prestigious school-level sports competitions in Nepal, has now reached the provincial level in Gandaki. The event, which promotes grassroots sports development, officially kicked off today in Gorkha district headquarters. Students and athletes from across the province have gathered to compete in various disciplines, including athletics, football, volleyball, and more.
The tournament aims to identify and nurture young talent, some of whom could go on to represent the province or even the country in national and international competitions. The event is also seen as a platform to encourage community participation, promote healthy lifestyles among youth, and create a sense of unity through sportsmanship.
Political and Administrative Participation
The inauguration ceremony of the President Running Shield saw participation from various dignitaries, highlighting the importance given to sports development at the political level. Attendees included:
- Nanda Prasad Neupane, Chief Whip of the Nepali Congress Parliamentary Party in Gandaki Province
- Sushila Sinkhada, Provincial Assembly Member
- Mohan Bahadur Thapa Magar, Chief of the Gorkha District Coordination Committee
- Krishna Bahadur Rana Magar, Mayor of Gorkha Municipality
Their presence not only reflected strong political support but also demonstrated a collective commitment to strengthening the sports framework in the province.
The Road Ahead for Gandaki’s Sports Tourism
Gandaki Province, with its mix of mountains, mid-hills, and plains, offers a unique environment for integrating tourism with sports. From organizing high-altitude training sessions in Mustang to hosting cricket matches in Pokhara and school-level competitions in Gorkha, the province is setting the stage for sports-driven tourism models.
According to Chief Minister Pandey, efforts are being made to balance tourism, infrastructure development, and athlete welfare, ensuring that Gandaki becomes a destination not only for nature lovers but also for sports enthusiasts from across Nepal and beyond.
He concluded his speech by urging all stakeholders, local governments, educational institutions, sports associations, and the private sector, to join hands in building a sustainable and inclusive sports ecosystem that can inspire the next generation of athletes and boost the regional economy through tourism.
