Nepali sports plunges into Crisis

No question, Nepali sport was the biggest loser once again in 2014. The year ended on a   disappointing, frustrating note, creating more gloom and uncertainty in the sport sector that has gone from bad to worse.

Having followed Nepali sports for close to three decades, the current state of sports has never been so pathetic. Athletes’ morale, performance is at an all time low. I have never seen anything like it.

With each passing day, athletes and coaches face new challenges and new hurdles.

They have no choice but to endure agony and uncertainty. In fact, they have been brave enough to cope with uncertainties, maintaining hope in the face of adversity.

I cannot imagine the toll this has already had on them. I feel terribly sorry for them. The way things stand right now; I have deep doubts as to whether the situation will improve in the near future.

                         

No one, even in their wildest imagination, ever thought that sport would be one of the most neglected sectors, especially after the dawn of parliamentary democracy in the country.

The steady erosion of the sport sector has had devastating impact on athletes. Furthermore, the result of this is stagnation in the growth and   overall development of sports. This is alarming and disturbing because it is on a path to nowhere. 

Every one agrees that at least the sport sector was much better off under the Panchayat regime.  The government then had placed a high priority on sports, and at the same time supported and carried out development of sports at all levels.

Agreed that the people in charge, pretty much, exercised   some form of authoritarian rule to govern the sport industry to their benefits. Also the national sports associations, on the whole, enjoyed very limited autonomy.

Despite everything, at least they did not turn a blind eye when it came to implementation of sport policies that promoted and supported a decent systematic growth and development of sports in the country.

In earnest the period from late 70s to late 80s can be considered as the golden age in Nepali sports. The country earned respect, recognition to some degree, both nationally and internationally, thanks largely, to athletes’ endeavors.

A significant chunk of sport infrastructures and facilities in existence today was built then. In the post independence era, however, very few facilities have sprung up. Even more disturbing is most facilities are in dilapidated condition and left to crumble.

The present government, let alone prioritizing sports, does not even have a national sports policy. And the truth of the matter is that they just don’t care about sports.

Successive governments have left sports bodies, which include National Sports Council (NSC), Nepal Olympic Committee (NOC), Sports Ministry and National Sport Association (NSA) at the hands of inept political activists who lack professionalism and skills.

The three highly politicized sport bodies_ Sports Ministry, NSC and NOC responsible for enhancing the development of sports at all sphere have done   very little or nothing.

This is shocking. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that sports   today is on a downward spiral, out of control.

It is fair to say that the seeds   of problem lie in the government’s approach. All we can do is rue their   apathy towards sports.

Power grabbing of sport organizations has become a standard feature in Nepali sports.

The way domestic   sport scenario panned out in the past year, even for an optimist like me, it is hard to envision that things will turn out for the best in the future, eventually.

I feel this way because the problem we have on hand now is   very complex and deep-rooted. The government is yet to show much desire, responsibility, accountability and commitment    to clean up the mess and fix the problem.

Look at all of the evidence: the NSA and the Sport Ministry remained/remains in apathy, ignoring its responsibilities. Even more troubling was the fact that the two organizations were at loggerheads over the firing and reinstatement of Member-Secretary of NSC Yuvaraj Lama.

Likewise, the two NOC factions spearheaded by Dhurva Pradhan and Rukum SJB Rana continue to lock their horns.

The corruption charges surrounding suspended President of All Nepal Football Association Ganesh Thapa was/is front and center, nationally and internationally. The government, however, has remained a silent spectator and made itself a laughing stock, so far.

Cricket Association of Nepal was in the midst of inexcusable   controversies   on and off the pitch.

Everything that unfolded before us in 2014 tells the whole story, out loud, in its entirety.

Nepal participated at the 17^th Asian Games in South Korea but turned into a fiasco in terms of performance and result.

All we got was a solitary medal in women’s karate. Bimala Tamang’s bronze in kata event saved Nepal from total ignominy by winning at least one medal.

The mediocrity of athletes reflects a broken and deeply flawed Nepali sports culture. It is a great pity that our athletes have been thrown into this unfortunate situation.

And what is worse, the government indulged/indulges in the same blunders of the past.  It showed no hesitation to send a jumbo contingent packed with unwanted politicians and officials along with athletes to the Asian Games at taxpayers’ money.

Long as sports is not a top priority for the   government, uncertainty will continue in   the sport sector, with lasting consequences.   Apparently without a meaningful sport system, coupled   with government’s serious involvement and support, athletes face a very uncertain future.