DHARAN: Chief Minister of Koshi Province, Hikmat Kumar Karki, has said the provincial government will actively promote adventure tourism to position Koshi Province on the international tourism map. He also announced plans to host international sporting events in the province.
CM Karki made these remarks while inaugurating a three-day International Paragliding Premier League Competition in Dharan, organized by the Nepal Paragliding and Hang Gliding Association. He said tourism promotion is closely linked not only to provincial identity but also to national economic growth, capital formation, and overall development.
Highlighting the province’s geographic diversity—ranging from mountains and hills to the southern plains—Karki said Koshi Province offers ideal conditions for adventure sports such as paragliding and rafting. He added that events like this would help promote Dharan internationally. According to him, sports also attract young people and help develop discipline and skills among them.
The Chief Minister assured continued government support for sports tourism and said budget allocations would be made in the upcoming fiscal year to organize international-level events.
He further noted that preparations are underway to host more than 10 international-standard sporting events, linking them with tourism promotion and the Visit Year campaign.
On the occasion, Association Chair Bhupendra Chamling informed that 32 pilots from Nepal and India are participating in the competition. The winner will receive Rs 150,000, the runner-up Rs 100,000, and the third-place finisher Rs 75,000 in cash prizes.
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