Pokhara, March 7

Minister for Industry, Tourism, Forestry and Environment of Province No 4 Ram Sharan Basnet today said the province had immense potential to develop it as the sports tourism destination.

Minister Basnet said so during an interaction organised by Kaski Coordination Committee of Nepal Sports Journalists Forum under the aegis of Nepal Tourism Board in Pokhara today.

“Although there are nine lakes in Pokhara but we can’t host national swimming event due to the lack of swimming pool. However, the province is destination for the adventure sports and cultural tourism and it can be developed as sports tourism destination through water sports,” said Basnet.

Similarly, Province Assembly Member Rajiv Pahari said result oriented works should be done for the cause after formulating proper plans and policies.

“Plain lands of Pokhara should be developed as sports grounds. Similarly, using cricket stadium for provincial assembly house and seeking approval for football stadium of Barahi Ghat from Kathmandu-based Nepal Trust are unfortunate for Province 4. So the provincial government should work for that,” said Pahari.

NSJF General Secretary Prakash Timalsina and chief of Nepal Tourism Board of Pokhara Surya Thapaliya presented papers on Sports Tourism in Province 4.