Nepal’s Athletes: A Steep Climb to Success

Sports are more than just a pastime; they are a reflection of a nation’s health, spirit, and investment in its future. For Nepal, a country with a deep passion for sports and a rich cultural heritage, achieving success on the global stage has remained an elusive goal. Recent events, including disappointing performances in the Olympics and reports of poor infrastructure and training for athletes, underscore the challenges that Nepal faces in this arena. Nonetheless, there is a beacon of hope in Palesha Goverdhan’s bronze medal in Para taekwondo at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, showcasing the potential of Nepali athletes and proving that with the right support and dedication, success is within reach. Despite the enthusiasm and talent present in the country, the gap between Nepal’s aspirations and its achievements highlights systemic issues that need urgent attention, including inadequate funding and outdated facilities, insufficient support for athletes, and a lack of sports culture.

Firstly, the issue of inadequate funding is a critical factor contributing to Nepal’s struggles in sports. Many sports facilities in Nepal are either outdated or insufficiently maintained, which limits the effectiveness of training and competition. For instance, the recent Olympics showcased the disparity between Nepal and other nations in terms of sports facilities and resources. The lack of modern, well-maintained facilities and mental support directly affects athletes’ performance. CAN’s Secretary Paras Khadka highlighted the challenges in grassroots cricket, stressing the need for improved stadiums and better fund distribution to elevate standards. Such limited investment in grassroots sports programs hinders the development of young talent, further exacerbating the problem.

In addition, the budget allocated for sports is often insufficient to cover the costs of building and maintaining high-quality facilities or supporting athletes at various levels. For the fiscal year 2023/2024, only NPR 2.09 billion was allocated to sports out of a total budget of NPR 1.75 trillion, which leaves little room for growth or development. Athletes like the national volleyball team, earning just NPR 5,000 per month, reflect the demotivating lack of financial support. This inadequate compensation not only diminishes player motivation but also highlights underlying systemic issues within Nepal’s sports sector. Such a funding shortfall creates a significant barrier to achieving success on the international stage, as it prevents the establishment of a robust sports infrastructure necessary for nurturing and developing talent.

Secondly, the lack of professional training and support further compounds Nepal’s sports issues. Many athletes do not have access to high-quality coaching or advanced training programs, which are crucial for their development and performance. Effective coaching is essential for athletes to refine their skills and reach competitive levels. A notable example is badminton star Prince Dahal, who, despite training in Sri Lanka, traveled to Paris 2024 without a coach due to delays in the accreditation and visa process by Nepali authorities. This administrative oversight hindered Dahal’s performance, illustrating the broader challenges faced by Nepalese athletes. Without structured training programs, even talented athletes lack the guidance needed to excel. This lack of professional support is evident in the performance of national teams and individual athletes in international competitions.

Moreover, the limited availability of experienced coaches and trainers affects the overall development of athletes. Without access to top-notch coaching, athletes struggle to improve their techniques and strategies, which impacts their ability to compete effectively on the global stage. Olympian Deepak Bista has long criticized the inadequate coaching infrastructure in Nepal, highlighting that the country lacks the necessary resources to provide top-tier coaching. The substantial void in professional support calls for a more integrated and thorough approach to athlete development in Nepal.

Thirdly, the scarcity of a strong sports culture in Nepal adds layers to the problem. Unlike countries like Spain, where youth are immersed in professional-level training early, Nepal lacks such engagement, leaving young athletes with limited opportunities. In such countries, young athletes are put into competitive environments early on, receiving both the attention and resources needed to develop their skills and achieve professional status; in contrast, Nepal’s sports programs often lack the same level of engagement and infrastructure. Schools in Nepal rarely provide opportunities for students to participate in sports, and there is a prevalent belief that pursuing a career in sports is not financially viable. This attitude contributes to a lack of investment and support for sports programs, limiting opportunities for young athletes to develop their talents.

The challenges faced by Nepal in sports are multifaceted and require a comprehensive approach to address effectively. Increasing investment in sports facilities and infrastructure is crucial for creating an environment that supports high-level training and competition. Additionally, developing professional training programs and ensuring access to experienced coaches can significantly improve the performance of athletes. Providing adequate financial incentives and support is essential for motivating and retaining talented individuals in the sports sector.

Addressing these issues will not only improve Nepal’s sports performance but also contribute to the overall development of the sports sector in the country. Palesha Goverdhan’s victory is just the beginning; the path forward is clear. By creating a more supportive and well-funded sports environment, Nepal can unlock its potential and achieve greater success on the global stage. With the right investment in infrastructure, coaching, and cultural support, Nepal can transform its sporting potential into success on the global stage.