Just when everybody was thinking that the fifth National Games was going to be epoch making,

the decision by the Nepal Army not to participate in the games, as soon as the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) combatants were given the green signal to participate in the Games, sent shock waves. These games are being held after a hiatus of more than a decade, and expectations were high that they would be unique and special. The colourful opening ceremony at the Dasharath Stadium participated in by contingents of the Nepal Army, the Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force and sportspersons, among others, was breathtaking. Since PLA’s participation was decided at the last moment, it was unable to participate in the opening ceremony. Although there were those opposed to the participation of the PLA fighters in the games, the decision was taken to allow the participation of PLA sportspersons after the request made by Prime Minister Puspha Kamal Dahal Prachandra. There were those who saw this as an opportunity, a symbolic one at that, to mend ties between Nepal Army and the PLA. Sports is such a discipline that by its nature it generates goodwill, as sporting events of international stature has reflected in the past.

Unfortunately, despite the claims made by responsible personalities in world sports not to politicise sports, this often happens. Thus, some countries refuse to participate in sporting events hosted by a country with which it has strained relations. This is against the spirit of sports. On the other hand, there are instances of sports being used to promote relations between countries like the famous Ping Pong diplomacy used by the Chinese which was highly effective and served purposes other than the promotion of sports. As such, it is a pity that the Nepal Army has missed the valuable opportunity by walking out of the Games, all because of PLA sportspeople’s participation. Without the participation of the Nepal Army, the Games would no longer be credible for the cream of the sportspersons in the country are with the Army. Had the Nepal Army also participated then perhaps a feeling of bonhomie would develop between it and the PLA that would do a lot of good in improving rapport between the two sides.

The country is now at a crucial juncture, and the rehabilitation and reintegration of the PLA combatants is one of the major pressing issues. The technical team set up for this purpose is encountering difficulty in carrying out this mission. It would better for all concerned if everyone realised the dangerous crisis looming before the country were these not to happen. It stands to reason that all opportunities, few as they are, should be pursued to build an atmosphere of trust between the contending parties, and what better way of doing it than through sports? Again one regrets that the fifth National Games is one short of the contending teams as the Nepal Army has decided not to participate. If it had displayed sportsmanship, who knows the gains that would have come by in national interest besides giving the sports lovers the value for their money, courtesy the peaceful battle in the sports arena. Whether we like it or not, politics has again entered sports.