SURKHET: Preparations are ramping up for the 10th National Games, which will be hosted in Karnali province for the first time.
Construction of the necessary infrastructure is proceeding at a rapid pace, as the event is seen as a significant honor for Karnali.
Officials report that the infrastructure is nearly ready for the games, scheduled to begin in just two and a half months.
However, there are growing concerns about whether the event will start as planned due to recent changes in government.
Sports Minister Tejulal Chaudhary, who visited Surkhet recently to review the preparations, indicated that the current level of readiness may not be sufficient to host the games on the scheduled date.
The logo, mascot, and theme song for the event, set to take place from November 17 to 24, have already been unveiled.
Additionally, the Province Sports Development Council has initiated a 100-day countdown to the games.
Chief Minister Yamlal Kandel suggested that the countdown should only begin once all preparations are fully completed.
On the other hand, Karnali Sports Council member secretary Bishwamitra Sanjyal reassured that the infrastructure is on track.
“The province stadium, the main venue for the National Games, is 90 percent complete,” he stated, adding that the remaining work should be finished by mid-October, making a postponement unnecessary.
With the infrastructure for 24 matches nearing completion, stakeholders are urging that the competition proceed as scheduled.
