Budget for Youth and Sports Increased; Rs 3.50 Billion Allocated

During today’s joint session of the parliament, Finance Minister Barshaman Pun announced a significant budget allocation of Rs 3.50 billion for the Ministry of Youth and Sports for the upcoming fiscal year 2081/81. This allocation reflects a notable increase compared to the previous fiscal year, where the Ministry had a budget of Rs 2.87 billion.

The government’s strategic plan encompasses various initiatives aimed at fostering excellence in international sports competitions and nurturing local talent. Notably, it includes organizing eighty national sports competitions across diverse disciplines in the upcoming fiscal year. A substantial allocation of Rs 600 million has been designated for the 10th National Sports Competition to be hosted in Surkhet.

In a move to celebrate and preserve Nepal’s rich sporting heritage, the government intends to promote traditional Nepali sports such as Ghodachadi, Dandi-biyo, and Baghchal alongside organizing international competitions for modern e-sports.

Emphasizing national pride projects, the government plans the construction of the Mulpani Cricket Stadium in Kathmandu and the Girijaprasad Koirala Stadium in Biratnagar. Additionally, collaboration with provincial and local governments is prioritized for the development of the Gautam Buddha Cricket Stadium in Bharatpur, Chitwan, and other sports infrastructure projects.

With a keen focus on enhancing sports infrastructure, the government has allocated Rs 1.30 billion for sports infrastructure development. Noteworthy projects in this regard include intensifying the construction of the international stadium at TU Cricket Stadium, Kirtipur, and the Phapla Cricket Stadium in Kailali.