Colombo, August 17 :

Jeevan Ram Shrestha, member secretary of National Sports Council (NSC) and Nepali contingent’s chef-de-mission of the 10th South Asian Games (SAG), aimed to secure third position in the regional tournament. The official inauguration is scheduled here on Friday.

“We are determined to finish third and give some reasons to smile for the sports lovers back home,” Shrestha told The Himalayan Times.

“We got very little time, one month to be particular, for preparations. I think we did a good job, if not excellent,” said Shrestha, who assumed the office after being appointed to the post for the second time.

When he was member secretary for brief period (nine months) in 1998, Nepal was preparing to host the eighth SAF Games and he assumed the office for second time when Nepal was about to participate in the 10th edition.

Shrestha said that the sports was in fragile state than what he had resigned 10 years ago. He said that the differences between the council, Nepal Olympic Committee (NOC) and the national sports associations had created a state of chaos in sports sector. “Coordination between the three sports governing bodies is a must for the betterment of sports,” he added.

Asked about his expectation, Shrestha said: “Putting together our evaluation and determination of players, we can say that Nepali squad will perform better than the last edition.” He also rated martial arts, boxing, athletics and women’s volleyball as the potential gold medal winning events.

Shrestha had a clear view regarding the NOC and national sports associations. “ Those working against the sports will not be spared,” he declared. “The NSC is the supreme sports governing body. If there is any problem within the association, we will find a way out as we looking forward to positive changes in the sports,” he said.

Regarding the future plans, Shrestha said that the council was preparing a policy with a clear vision. “It’s high time to set the clear vision,” he said, adding the need to change the concept of sports only in terms of winning medals.

“We will prepare small, medium and long term plans. No one can change the existing situation overnight, so we will start managing the sports soon after the SAG,” Shrestha said.

Asked about the stance of government towards the sports and the allocated budget, Shrestha said that the government will be forced to comply to the plans once the council sets a cleat goal. “We can convince the government. What we need is a clear vision and policy,” Shrestha said.