Kathmandu: Minister for Youth and Sports Teju Lal Chaudhary has blamed the Finance Ministry for delaying the approval of guidelines and financial procedures, halting preparations for the 10th National Sports Competition.
Speaking at a parliamentary committee meeting on Friday, Chaudhary said repeated requests to the Finance Minister went unanswered due to administrative bottlenecks. “Officials keep citing incomplete paperwork. It seems administrative work alone takes up to a year,†he said.
National Sports Council (NSC) member-secretary Tanka Lal Ghising revealed that proposals for budget discussions were submitted in early 2024 but board meetings were repeatedly postponed. The NSC finally met in December 2024, approving amended guidelines and budget allocations, which now await Finance Ministry approval.
Lawmakers, including Maoist Center MP Rekha Sharma, warned that further delays could push the competition beyond April 5, 2025.
Minister Chaudhary also addressed the Nepal Olympic Committee (NOC) controversy, accusing President Jeevan Ram Shrestha of violating legal procedures in election processes, which led to disputes among sports federations.