KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said Nepal will host the 13th South Asian Football Federation Championship (SAFF Championship).

While honoring the winners of the Three Nations Cup organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports at the Prime Minister’s official residence Sunday, PM Oli urged Nepali footballers to prepare for the games with the determination of winning the title.

On the occasion, he directed the All Nepal Football Federation (ANFA) and the National Sports Council (NSC) to start preparations for organizing the regional sports event. It may be noted that the ANFA has proposed hosting the 13th SAFF after Bangladesh expressed its inability to organize the event.

On the occasion, PM Oli urged Nepali soccer players to do hard work for the match with the goal of securing the victory. “We are capable of hosting the SAFF, keep your spirits high,” he urged the players.

Recalling his presence at the Dasarath Stadium as an observer of the finale of the ‘Three Nations Cup’ held last March, the PM said he was confident that the Nepali team would win the match. The Nepali team had played in the match with discipline, he said, adding that discipline was a vital part of any tournament.

He underlined the need for holistic development, including of the sports sector in the country. Winning players and coach of the Nepali football team were honored with a cash prize on the occasion.

In the beginning of the program, Secretary at the Ministry of Youths Kedar Neupane apprised the PM of several ongoing works and activities of the Ministry. As he said, Rs 10 million was allocated for the winning team of the ‘Three Cup Nations’.

Nepali Football Team Captain Kiran Kumar Limbu Chemjong, on behalf of the team, said the honor had further motivated the team members for doing better in the days ahead. He promised that Nepali footballers would leave a good mark in the upcoming matches.