Sports and athletes shall be encouraged: Chief Minister Pokharel

Nawalpur: Gandaki Chief Minister Krishnachandra Nepali Pokharel has said that he will work to encourage sports and athletes.

Inaugurating the Vadastari ‘Seven-a-Side Football Tournament’ at Gaindakot in Nawalparasi (East of Bardaghat-Sustapura) on Saturday, he said that the provincial government has given high priority to sports development as sports builds a healthy body and healthy mind.

Stating that sports is the identity of a person as well as a source of health, he said the government aims to achieve prosperity through sports and investment in its infrastructure development will be increased.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief of Gaindakot Municipality, Bishnu Kumari Kandel, said that sports would play an important role in introducing Gaindakot in the national and international arena.

She said that support from the federal and provincial governments is needed for the development of playgrounds and other related areas in the city. The competition is organized by Everest Youth Club Gaindakot.

The club has been organizing sports competitions to develop the game and encourage the players. A total of 17 ward level football clubs of Gaindakot will compete in the event.

The winner will be given Rs 30,000 and a trophy and the runner-up Rs 20,000 and a trophy, said Chair of the club Man Bahadur Sunari Magar.