'SAG preparation to begin in few days'

KATHMANDU, Aug 24: Newly appointed Minister for Youth and Sports Daljit Sripali has vowed to start the preparations for c after few days. He also stated that the upcoming 7th National Games will be held in time.

KATHMANDU, Aug 24: Newly appointed Minister for Youth and Sports Daljit Sripali has vowed to start the preparations for 13th South Asian Games after few days. He also stated that the upcoming 7th National Games will be held in time.

Addressing a welcome program organized by Nepal Sports Journalism Forum (NSJF) in Kathmandu on Tuesday, Minister Sripali said that the 13th SAG to be organized by Nepal was associated with the nation's pride and the government will leave no stone unturned to organize the biggest sporting event of South Asia.

“SAG is related to the pride of our country so the government will make plans to organize the event successfully,” Minister Sripali said.

Nepal has shouldered the responsibility of hosting the 13th SAG in 2018.

Minister Sripali, who is nominated from the CPN (Maoist Center) quota, also said that the 7th National Games will be held in time. “The government will organize the 7th national games in time. There is no doubt about that,” added Minister Sripali.

The National Games are scheduled to be held in Eastern Region from November 23 to 30. The seventh edition of the games, which was supposed to be held last year, was postponed twice due to various reasons.

Minister Sripali, who was the president of the now defunct PLA Sports Club of the then CPN (Maoist), also said that he is aware about both positive and negative aspects of Nepali Sports. “I am aware about Nepali sports. I know the anomalies of this field and I also know the way to solve them.”

Minister Sripali also said that being a former player he is very happy to be appointed Minister of Youth and Sports.

“I am from sports background. So, getting an opportunity to lead this ministry is a proud moment in my life. A player becoming a sports minister is a positive development for Nepali sports,” added Minister Sripali.

He also said that he is in experimental period and could make mistakes during his tenure. Therefore, he expects healthy criticisms and warnings from media.

The immediate past president of NSFJ Ajay Phuyal said that he expects changes in Nepali sports during the tenure of Minister Sripali.

Delivering the welcome speech on the occasion, Phuyal said, “I hope his tenure won't be just a change of leadership but it will also bring changes in Nepali sports.”