Pokhara, November 6

National Sports Council Member Secretary Keshab Kumar Bista today inaugurated the newly-constructed volleyball training centre and media centre at the Pokhara Stadium.

The volleyball training centre, which has four courts and a capacity of 700 spectators, was built in 14-ropani land with the expense of Rs 9.4 million. Similarly, the media centre, which was built in Rs 1.9 million, has 10 sets of computers, two laptops, projector, printer and high speed internet facilities. The media centre will be shifted inside the multipurpose covered hall once the completion of the facility.

Meanwhile, Western Region Sports Development Committee President Khagraj Paudel said the construction of volleyball training centre was a major step towards making Pokhara as the capital of sports.

“After the completion of the volleyball training centre, we will move to other sports including cricket, football, swimming pool, handball, athletics track, martial arts and skating,” said Paudel. “Now Pokhara will not be recognised only for Fewa or Machhapuchchhre as we will have a stadium to feel pride of,” he added.

National Sports Council Member Secretary Keshab Kumar Bista said the NSC was planning to build a dome at the Pokhara Stadium at the cost of Rs 110 million. “We will invite tender in a couple of days and we will have a stadium ready within the next six months. The dome with indoor hall facilities will be the first of its kind in Nepal,” said Bista.

Bista claimed that the 13th South Asian Games and the eighth National Games would be organised within the next two years. “At least six games of the 13th SAG will be held in Pokhara and we are planning for more,” said Bista. He added that a total of 1,221 infrastructure were under construction across the country.

Bista also informed that district selection event for the eighth National Games would start in  August/September next year. “Most of the events of the National Games will be organised in Nepalgunj and Dang,” he added.