In a significant move to overhaul Nepal's athletic landscape, the Minister for Education, Science, and Technology, Sasmit Pokhrel, has announced a plan to embed sports directly into the national school curriculum. During a recent visit to the National Sports Council on Tuesday, Minister Pokhrel highlighted that the primary hurdle in Nepal's sporting success is the lack of organized talent cultivation at a young age. He asserted that a five-year roadmap is being established to prioritize grassroots development.
Minister Pokhrel observed that currently, a majority of the nation's top athletes emerge from departmental teams like the Nepal Police, Army, and APF because these institutions provide essential nutrition, training, and financial stability. However, since recruitment into these forces typically begins at age 18, the Minister pointed out a missed window for early-stage development. By providing professional-grade diet and coaching during school years, the government intends to accelerate the growth of the sports industry.
Reflecting on previous challenges encountered during the 'Creative School' initiative in Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Pokhrel emphasized that the government is now positioned at the policy-making level to remove legal barriers. Collaborating with the Curriculum Development Centre (CDC), the ministry aims to ensure that sports are not just an extracurricular activity but a fundamental part of education. This shift is expected to enhance both the physical and mental well-being of students across the country.
