KATHMANDU, MAY 29
The government has allocated a record-high budget of Rs 6.08 billion for the Ministry of Youth and Sports in the fiscal year 2082/83, a sharp increase from last year's Rs 3.5 billion. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel presented the budget at the joint session of the federal parliament on Thursday.
This year's allocation includes Rs 540 million for organizing the 10th National Games in Karnali Province. Similarly, Rs 420 million has been set aside for the development of cricket stadiums in Mulpani (Kathmandu), Girija Prasad Koirala Stadium (Morang), Fapla (Kailali), and Siddhartha Stadium (Rupandehi).
An additional Rs 400 million will go toward upgrading the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. The budget also mentions the construction of a modern international stadium in Damak, Jhapa, capable of hosting all types of sports competitions.
The government plans to acquire the Gautam Buddha Cricket Stadium in Chitwan through a conditional grant. Medal-winning athletes in international events will receive incentives, and scholarships will be provided to their children.
To diversify sports disciplines and promote sports tourism, high-altitude sports stadiums will be built in Solukhumbu, Mustang, and Jumla. The budget also includes funding for a National Anti-Doping Agency and initiatives to increase women's participation in sports, including training, practice programs, and special awards for top female athletes.
