Administrative Conflict Ends Nepalese PUBG Team’s Asian Games Dream
Although the National Sports Council (Rakhap) decided to participate in 22 sports at the Asian Games, the Nepalese PUBG team that had already been selected was removed from the list. Despite having passed the qualifying phase, the team could not participate in the 20th Asian Games due to administrative disputes and conflicts between two sports federations. The National Sports Council and the Esports Association of Nepal have shifted blame to the Nepal Esports Association and tried to evade responsibility, while the players have resorted to seeking justice through the courts. Even as the government implements a ‘one sport, one federation’ policy, the existence of two federations for PUBG created coordination gaps, ultimately shattering the dreams of these talented players to compete at the Asian Games.
On June 21, encouraging news came from Vietnam—the Nepalese PUBG team had qualified for the 20th Asian Games. After narrowly missing medals in the previous edition, many had high hopes for the team this time to secure a podium finish. However, on August 11, the National Sports Council’s announcement shocked PUBG players and supporters alike. The council decided to participate in only 22 sports, removing the name of the already selected PUBG team from the list.
During the qualifying tournament held from June 13 to 21 in Vietnam, the Nepalese PUBG team secured the seventh seed, thus earning their spot for the Asian Games in Japan. The team included Sameer Costello (Jeyo), Rohit Tamang (Jordi), Dipesh Gurung (Delta X), Saurabh Tamang (TMG-8), and Sonu Karki (ByeBye). However, due to conflicts between sports federations and the government, these players were unable to participate in the competition. Just days ago at a press conference, the selected players questioned, “Why are we not allowed to compete at the Asian Games despite being selected?”
Instead of providing answers, those responsible have continued to blame each other. The National Sports Council and the Esports Association of Nepal (ESAN) have accused the Nepal Esports Association (NESA) and tried to shirk responsibility, while NESA issued a statement attributing the problem to the government and ESAN. The selected players have been compelled to seek justice through the courts to claim their rights.