Govt is committed to make SAG successful: Sports Minister

POKHARA: Minister for Youth and Sports Jagat Bahadur Bishwakarma has said the government is committed to making the 13th South Asian Games (SAG) successful in a grand manner. He added that the Games is linked to the country’s prestige. He said so while addressing a press meet organized by the 13th SAG Publicity and Publications Committee here today.

The press meet was held to give out information on the preparations going on for the 13th SAG which is taking place from December 1. The Sports Minister said that the required physical infrastructures for the Games have been already constructed. Stating that works regarding preparing the national teams have been forwarded for attaining success along with the construction of the physical infrastructures which remained as a challenge, he said that the sportspersons have been participating in closed training within the country and abroad.

He asserted that adequate budget has been provided for building the sports infrastructures at the Dasrath Stadium, the swimming pool at Satdobato abd Pokhara Stadium. Minister Bishwakarma said conditions have been created in which the Nepali sportspersons would be able to perform with high morale and self-confidence.

While recalling that Nepal, which created a history in which the sports sector can take pride in by successfully organizing the first SAG in 1984, has now got another opportunity to organize the 13th edition of the SAG, he reiterated that it was the collective responsibility of the entre nation for making the 13th SAG a grand success.

Joint coordinator of the Publicity Sub-committee Ranjan Adhikari presided over the program. Journalist Dinanath Baral said the SAG would contribute to promoting tourism in Pokhara. Before this, Minister Bishwakarma made an onsite inspection of the sports infrastructures under construction at the Pokhara Stadium.

On the occasion, the Minister directed the construction company to expedite the construction works. Women’s cricket, paragliding, badminton, women football, weight lifting, beach volleyball, handball, triathlon and archery competitions will be held in Pokhara under the 13th SAG.