Every time Sumana Chhetri from Kathmandu goes to watch Nepal’s football team match, she feels the burden of the nation’s expectations on the players’ shoulders. The roar of the crowd, the thrill of a goal, and the heartbreak of a miss can be nerve-wracking.
Similarly, Anish Bhandari from Butwal recalled the agonizing moment in Nepal’s cricket history when Nepal lost to South Africa by just one run in the T20 World Cup. “It was a heartbreaking loss for the entire nation,” he added.
Still, Bhandari admired the way the team played. “The performance was praiseworthy. They nearly defeated a nation far better equipped with infrastructure than Nepal,” he said.
But passion alone cannot sustain performance. Sushil Narsingh Rana, a World Athletics Coaches Education and Certification System (CECS) Level II Lecturer and former National Athletics coach, said there is a lack of coaches and sports facilities at the grassroots level.
“This problem is often overlooked, yet it remains one of the most pressing issues,” he said. “Even in Kathmandu, facilities fall short.”
Rana emphasized the urgent need for trained coaches to identify and nurture young talents.
Another significant barrier to sports development in Nepal is societal attitude. “This sports field in our society is often seen as a man’s domain,” said Neema Chaudhary, drawing on her own experience. She recalled the skepticism she faced when playing football with boys. Her own family members were unsure of her choice.
Silika Shakya, program director at The WE United Project, echoed this concern. “Girls in rural Nepal still face so many barriers, ranging from family disapproval to lack of safe spaces,” she said. “Sports are still widely seen as a man’s game, and even talented girls are not taken seriously.”
These stereotypes, however, are being challenged. Many successful female athletes fought against society expectations, community pressure, and cultural norms just to keep playing. “Their persistence is rewriting the narrative,” Shakya said. “Yet, more effort is needed.”
According to UNESCO, values-based sports can help address global concerns like inactivity and inequality. Aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 4, this approach promotes inclusive practices in education and sports. Shakya underscored the role of schools in reshaping attitudes by providing equal opportunities to both genders. She also urged the brands and companies to promote women’s sports, sending a powerful message of validation and visibility.
Rana noted the importance of school in changing the structural reform by treating sports not merely as recreation.“A student can be excellent in both academics and athletics, and this story needs to be shared”, he said.
The government’s allocation of Rs 6.8bn for sports this fiscal year is a promising step, reflecting a notable increase from the previous year. Rana, however, cautioned that most of the budget focuses on stadium construction while ignoring grassroots development. “Stadiums are necessary, but real work begins from the low-level foundation,” he said.
Injuries and mental health are further neglected areas. Rana pointed out that a lack of focus on sports psychology and mental well-being could hamper a player’s career. “It is not just about performance but about overall well-being,” he added.
Women in particular face unique challenges, as they are expected to focus on domestic responsibilities and behave in a certain way. Shakya warned that these cultural pressures can cause girls to drop out or never even try. “I believe visibility changes minds. When families and community leaders see girls confidently playing, learning, and leading without compromising their values, they see new possibilities,” she said.
The media also plays a pivotal role in shaping the narrative. Sports journalist Aakriti Singh acknowledged the imbalance in coverage. “Sports like cricket and football dominate headlines, whereas emerging sports such as table tennis, athletics, and para-sports are overlooked,” she said. Singh added women’s sports receive far less airtime, fewer headlines, and limited post-match analysis compared to men’s events.
Looking ahead and comparing Nepal’s potential, Singh said Nepal can be a strong sporting nation, especially by focusing on youth, inclusivity, and regional strengths. “The government should integrate sports in schools and develop district-level competitions. It should target sports where Nepal has a comparative advantage, such as mountain sports, martial arts, football, and volleyball,” she said.
While the National Sports Council (NSC) oversees sports development, its policies often lack long-term vision, and execution is inconsistent. Critically assessing the current state of sports development in Nepal, especially in comparison to neighboring countries, requires examining infrastructure, policy, funding, talent development, and performance on the international stage. Singh believes this gap can be closed with clear, consistent investment and governance reform.
“Just like India has been providing targeted funding, training, and exposure for young and elite athletes, Nepal should also implement a similar system for its athletes,” she said.
According to UN Women, the interest in women's sport is rapidly growing—73 percent of people now watch women’s sports at least a few times a year, nearing the 81 percent who watch men’s matches. Shakya reaffirmed the transformative power of sports. “At WE United, we’ve seen how sports can empower girls to break free from long-standing gender roles,” she said. “We train and support female coaches, so that young girls can see women leading, teaching, and thriving in sports.”
Rana believes that for true reform in sports, it must remain free from politics and favoritism. “We need professionalism and a national calendar to streamline events,” he said. “This field should be run by educated and experienced individuals.”
Nepal’s sports journey is one of passion and resilience. Recognizing both the passion of the people and the dedication of athletes, the government must act promptly to strengthen sports infrastructure in both urban and rural settings.
