Paragliding will bring home medals for Nepal: Minister

22 April, Pokhara : Minister for Youth and Sports Jagat Bishwokarma has shown his confidence over the possibility of paragliding adventure sport winning a medal for the country during the 18th Asian Games.

During felicitations held in Pokhara for paragliding athletes chosen to represent Nepal during the Asian Games taking place from August 18 to September 1 in Jakarta, Indonesia, Minister Bishwokarma stressed that the athletes must play with high morale.

Stating his confidence of paragliding sport raising the country’s prestige, the minister urged the athletes to take the historic opportunity to enhance country’s pride.

Minister Bishwokarma noted that Nepal’s sporting sector is infested with problems and underlined the lack of discipline and system in sport.

The Minister also pledged to strictly control the officials heading for the 18th Asian Games and added the government would honour the athletes that win medals for keeping the country’s prestige high.

A total of 10 athletes classified into two sub categories will compete for three medals during the paragliding competitions from Nepal. More than 30 countries are taking part in the paragliding event introduced for the first time in the 18th Asian Games.

Sporting events to be expanded in rural sector

The Minister also pledged to expand the sporting activities in the rural sector.

During a closing ceremony of Destination Dhampus Festival held at Lali Guransh Youth Club of Dhampus of Kaski on Saturday, Minister Bishwokarma said the upgradation of the playing field in the rural sector remained a priority.

The Minister also conferred awards, cash and certificates to the winning teams and players.