KATHMANDU: The government has allocated Rs 6.8 billion for the Ministry of Youth and Sports in fiscal year 2082/083, nearly doubling last year’s Rs 3.5 billion allocation.
Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel announced the budget during a joint session of the federal parliament on Thursday.
In the budget, Rs 420 million has been earmarked for the construction of cricket stadiums in Mulpani (Kathmandu), Girija Prasad Koirala (Morang), Fapla (Kailali), and Siddhartha (Rupandehi).
Rs 400 million has been allocated for upgrading the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
Rs 540 million is designated for organizing the 10th National Games in Birendranagar, Surkhet, compared to Rs 600 million allocated for the same project last fiscal year.
The budget also provides necessary funding to operate the National Anti-Doping Agency.
A conditional grant has been included for purchasing assets of the Gautam Buddha Cricket Stadium in Chitwan, pending evaluation by the Tribhuvan University Institute of Engineering.
The government plans to increase investment in sports infrastructure and player development to boost professionalism. Continuous training and competitions will foster a winning spirit among athletes.
Private sector participation will be encouraged to invest in sports facilities that can nurture national and international level players and promote sporting events. Access to roads, drinking water, and electricity will be ensured for these infrastructures.
A modern international-standard stadium will be built in Damak, Jhapa, to host diverse sports competitions.
High-altitude sports stadiums will also be constructed in Solukhumbu, Mustang, and Jumla to diversify sports and promote sports tourism.
Players winning medals in international events will be rewarded, and their children will receive educational scholarships. Incentive allowances for players and coaches will continue.
To boost women’s participation, specialized training and practice programs will be held, with awards for outstanding female players. The budget also allocates funds to operate sports academies in at least three schools per province.
Comment