We saw large stadiums in German cities host World Cup football matches with exemplary enthusiasm. But still, I believe these king-size stadiums are no match for our local playgrounds in many respects.

Keeping in mind what Mahakabi Laxmi Prasad Devkota said in Ke Nepal Sano Chha?, what matters is quality, not size. In this respect, those gigantic stadiums cannot compare to what some of our sports venues offer. Or let me say they offer extraordinary versatility. And versatility reminds me of “Mr versatile” himself — Steven Gerrard — who was dubbed so by the English media during the World Cup. That he has played a wide range of roles: as a prolific midfielder in Liverpool colours, as a defensive midfielder during the failed English campaign in Germany and even as a striker in the absence of temperamental Wayne Rooney, justifies this title. But still, his range of abilities is nothing in comparison to the versatility of our national assets.

I can proudly speak of our adaptability in putting to multiple uses some of our national treasures. First, we saw the Dasharath Stadium, home to cheering fans during the National Football League, being used as a “detention centre” during the pro-democratic movement; the concert venue-cum-National stadium had already hosted a number of rowdy duels during the soccer matches.

And now, Khula Manch— the dusty local paradise for sports enthusiasts of Kathmandu, who are forced to search for a spacious place amidst the neck-breaking pace with which urban sprawl is continuing — has discovered another purpose. Our leaders used this place for delivering adrenaline-pumping staccatos during mass meetings. Recently, it was even being utilised as a dumping site. Perfect justice to its name, Khula (unforbidden) Manch (stage). Or, in plain language, anything goes.

Maybe, we could someday use Ranipokhari as a swimming complex. And what about Dharahara? Perhaps the authorities can find some novel use for this monument as well! At the present rate, it may not be long when most places of historical and archaeological importance are being employed for some rather peculiar purposes. Definitely, a lot to look forward to for Kathmandu denizens.