Government to Build Modern Cricket Stadiums in Eight Major Cities Within Five Years

Kathmandu — Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has announced various plans and allocations for the sports sector through the budget.

Wagle said that, linking sports infrastructure with youth development and the local economy, ten football stadiums with a capacity of at least 8,000 spectators will be upgraded with floodlights within the next three years. He said modern cricket stadiums will be built in eight major cities within five years.

The Finance Minister said indoor multipurpose stadiums with a capacity of at least 2,000 will be built within the next three years in Biratnagar, Lahan, Kathmandu, Pokhara, Butwal, Surkhet, and at Phaplaa in Dhangadhi.

He said the design of the Mulpani Cricket Stadium and Academy, the Girija Prasad Koirala Cricket Stadium, and the Phaplaa Cricket Stadium in Kailali will be reviewed and an investment modality determined.

Wagle said arrangements will be made to select students with special interest and talent in sports from the basic level of school and provide them training with residential facilities.

The Finance Minister said athletes who win international medals will be provided free lifelong health treatment so that they can live a dignified life after retirement.

He said funds have been set aside to complete the tenth National Games in Surkhet and to build the necessary infrastructure for the eleventh National Games proposed in Madhesh province.

The Finance Minister said a total of Rs 4.03 billion has been allocated for the sports sector.