Jhapa — Youth and Sports Minister Tej Lal Chaudhary has shared that the government is working actively to boost tourism through sports. During his visit to the Kakarbhitta sports ground in eastern Nepal today, Minister Chaudhary spoke about the potential this venue has to attract visitors to the country.
He also announced that the federal government has set aside NPR 30 million in the current fiscal year 2082-83 to upgrade the sports ground. Minister Chaudhary pointed out how many Nepali athletes have made a name for themselves—and earned well—through sports like cricket, football, and volleyball.
“Our country sits between two major neighbors. With the Asian Highway now built, Kakarbhitta’s sports ground will gain more international importance,” he said. He also highlighted how sports play a vital role not only in entertainment and health but also in promoting tourism.
The athletes coming out of Kakarbhitta have made an impressive contribution to Nepal’s reputation, he added. The government has allocated NPR 600 crore for the development of the sports sector this year. Minister Chaudhary said plans are underway to hand over sports grounds to local and provincial governments.
Since the land of Kakarbhitta’s sports ground currently belongs to the Rural Housing Company, he stressed the importance of transferring its ownership to the local authorities as soon as possible. The government is ready to support this transfer and help with developing the ground’s infrastructure, he assured.
At the event, Mechinagar Mayor Gopal Budhathoki, Deputy Mayor Meena Upreti, and former Mayor Bimal Acharya raised concerns about sports activities and the condition of the Kakarbhitta sports ground. Minister Chaudhary is also scheduled to open the Indo-Nepal Interschool Karate Competition today at Charali, Mechinagar.
