KATHMANDU: Minister for Youth and Sports, Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, announced that the ministry has allocated Rs 43.4 million for the preparation of international-level sports competitions, including the Paris Olympics, Mission-2026, and the Sixth Asian Indo Martial Arts-2024.

During the discussion on the Appropriation Bill in today’s National Assembly meeting, Minister Shrestha mentioned that special training will be provided to more than 200 athletes in 10 national-level sports for these grand international competitions.

He explained that Rs 29 million has been allocated for their participation in various international competitions.

Additionally, Rs 1.1 million has been allocated for the development of traditional sports, including chess, dandi biyo, and horse riding.

Stating that the budget has been allocated to organize 11 different international-level competitions to promote tourism through sports, the Sports Minister added that Rs 40 million has been allocated to build a ‘High Altitude Training Centre’ in Patarasi, Jumla, to attract domestic and foreign players for training.

The Ministry has also allocated Rs 20 million to build a high-altitude training covered hall for Taekwondo in Shailung, Dolakha.

Priority has been given to constructing infrastructure at Mulpani Cricket Stadium, installing floodlights at Kirtipur-based cricket ground, arranging fitness halls and equipment for athletes, and establishing a sports training center for the coming fiscal year, shared the Sports Minister.