Kathmandu, Nov 7: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said that the government will build a cricket stadium as a project of national pride.
Speaking at a programme here Tuesday in honour of the Nepali national men’s cricket team that qualified for the 2024 T20 cricket world cup, he said, “The government will soon announce a cricket stadium to be built as a project of national pride.”
On the occasion, the Prime Minister also lauded the team for enhancing the reputation of Nepal at the international level with an excellent performance. “After ten years, Nepal has qualified for the T20 world cup, please work hard for it as well,” he said.
Noting that the Nepalis especially the youth have increased their attachment to the sport of cricket, he said, “This attachment has motivated the government as well. We are inspired to encourage the players, invest more for them and develop more sports infrastructure.”
Stating that the sports sector is an important sector that can increase the reputation of the country, the Prime Minister mentioned that the role of cricket is important in it. “The work of cricket stadiums in Bharatpur, Mulpani and Kirtipur will be accelerated.”
Acknowledging that distribution of prize as an incentive to the cricketers has been delayed due to some legal and procedural problems, the Prime Minister said that the government will be fully aware that this does not happen in the future.
On the occasion, Captain of the Nepali cricket team, Rohit Paudel, said that he was very excited with the importance accorded by the government to the game of cricket. “We are grateful for the efforts of the government including to improve infrastructures at TU cricket stadium. We are confident that the rest of the work will be completed soon”, said Captain Paudel.