By A Staff ReporterKathmandu, Aug. 9: Minister for Education and Sports, Sasmit Pokharel, has urged athletes bound for the 20th Asian Games to strive for their best performance at the continental summer event.
During a visit to the training camp, the minister said he wished to understand the athletes’ preparations and assured them of full support.
On Friday evening he met members of the Nepali contingent at Pashupati Boutique in Gaushala, where part of the squad is accommodated.
Pokharel emphasised that sport and education are not sectors where investment yields immediate results, but that long‑term commitment will bring success.
He pledged to address challenges facing athletes and the wider sporting sector, and confirmed that the 10th National Games will be held later this year.
Tennis player Pradeep Khadka described it as an honour to be part of the national team’s closed training and thanked the minister for engaging directly with athletes.
Asian Games silver medallist Arika Gurung said preparations under “Mission 2026” had greatly benefited athletes, who were determined to deliver strong results.
Volleyball head coach Jagadish Bhatt stressed that only highly skilled coaches can produce top players, calling for greater attention to developing coaching expertise.
The programme was attended by National Sports Council vice‑chair Bishal Shrestha, the minister’s chief adviser Siddhi Byanjankar, adviser Raju Singh, and executive committee member Sikka Suwal Shrestha, among others.
The Rising Nepal
