Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, April 5:

The government has assured of having in place all the required infrastructure for the upcoming AFC President’s Cup Football Tournament by April 25.

“All the infrastructure, including floodlights and security arrangements, will be ready by April 25,” said Minister for Education and Sports Radha Krishna Mainali, at a press meet today.

The floodlights at the Dasharath Stadium — which were installed by China — are currently not functioning. “We are grateful to the Chinese government for their assurance in maintaining the floodlights,” said Mainali, adding that the ministry would do it themselves if the Chinese authorities fail to do so on time.

He also informed that a Chinese team will be arriving to Kathmandu soon to assess the condition of the floodlights. The AFC has instructed ANFA to hold the semi-finals and final under lights. “We view this tournament as an important event,” said the minister. He also said that the government would look after all the organisational aspects of the eventtoo.

Mainali also informed that a 83-member AFC President’s Cup National Main Organising Committee under his own presidentship had been set up.

The first edition of the AFC president’s Cup will be held from May 4-14. Three Star Club will represent Nepal in the first such high-profile tournament.

NSC dissolved?

KATHMANDU: The cabinet has decided to dissolve the National Sports Council, and has asked the old council to continue till it announces the new one. Minister for Education and Sports Radha Krishna Mainali however refused to comment when asked about the dissolution, but a top official at the ministry, who did not wish to be named, confirmed the report saying the NSC was dissolved last Wednesday.

Meanwhile, member secretary of NSC Kishor Bahadur Singh, and vice president Ganesh Thapa said that they had no information about the decision. But one NSC member, who requested anonymity, confirmed the dissolution. — HNS