MANANG: With the construction of a ‘High Altitude Training Centre’ in Timang, situated at a height of 2,635 metres, various sports related activities have now found pace in the district.

As an overture, around 30 ropanis land had been leveled for construction of the 125 metres long and 115 metres wide ground. The training centre was an initiative of the District Sports Development Committee of Manang and was constructed with the aid of various government and non-government agencies.

According to Chairperson of the committee, Singha Bahadur Gurung, tournaments and training will be conducted at the centre in accordance with the structure that has been constructed.

“We will provide trainings for marathon, football, volleyball, horse-racing and archery and also eventually organise related competitions,” Gurung said, adding, “We constructed a ground in the first phase and now we will focus on the construction of necessary infrastructure.”

A building for conducting official work and a lane that reaches the training centre also have been completed while construction of parapet, covered hall, changing rooms, among other facilities, still remains.

“We would require additional 30 ropanis land, which the villagers have readily agreed to provide for free. There already is access to electricity whereas preparations are underway to bring drinking water to the facility,” stated Gurung.

The committee chairman further added that they are looking to construct a full-fledged training centre with maximum facilities.

According to committee secretary Din Bahadur Gurung, the project that initiated in 2065 and has finally gained momentum now is expected to attract tourists since Timang is one of the integral points stationed in the Annapurna Trekking Circuit.

“We aim to boost tourism via the sports ground and the training centre,” said Din Bahadur Gurung. “Not only the locals but even foreigners will come here to train and to engage in sports activities.”

Local civil-activist Bin Ghaley said that around 70 households from Timang and Thanchok villages provided them with the land for free. About 10.4 million Rupees have been spent for leveling the grounds and framing it in a proper structure, informed the committee.

For construction of the structure, National Sports Council had provided 5.9 million, the then District Development Committee provided 5 million while Chame, Dharapani, Tachaii Bagarchhap and Thonchey VDCs provided 50 thousand each. Likewise, Manang Marsyangdi Club supported the committee with three hundred thousand rupees while Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) provided 50,000 rupees.

The first rural municipality level Chame Football Competition has already been organised at the centre. Member of Federal Parliament from Manang, Palden Chhopang Gurung said that this is a greate initiative that would benefit the entire district.

“High-altitude training centre must be constructed at par with international standard, everyone must come together and work to facilitate which,” said the MP.