KATHMANDU: Australian Embassy in Nepal on Wednesday organised an interaction programme on ‘Women in Nepal in Sports’ to mark the International Women’s Day.

National Sports Council board member Rajendra Shrestha, National Institute of Sports Department’s Director Rim Ranabhat, Citizen Bank International Ltd’s Chief Executive Officer Rajan Singh Bhandari, Olympian judoka Phupu Lhamu Khatri, sports journalist Sarita Shrestha and ITF taekwondo coach Anju Raut expressed their views on the topic.

Earlier, Australian Ambassador to Nepal Peter Budd said social and cultural barriers marred women’s participation in sports.

“Women participation in sports is marred by social, cultural barriers much more than anything else and this needs to change as sporting activities not only have health benefits but also help in self-empowerment and developing skills such as teamwork, goal-setting, pursuit of excellence in performance among others, which is crucial for full personality development,” Budd said.