Minister Pokharel: Sports Should Be Led by Sports Professionals, Not Politicians

March 26, Kathmandu.

Newly appointed Minister for Education, Science and Technology, as well as Minister for Youth and Sports, Sasmit Pokharel, has emphasized the need to stop the politicization of the sports sector.

After assuming office at Singha Durbar on Friday, Minister Pokharel briefly responded, stating that ending political interference in sports is his primary priority.

“The first step must be to stop politicization in sports. Not only in sports and education but also in professional sectors after the National Independent Party government came to power, politics has started to interfere, and this must be halted. Many problems in Nepal’s sports sector stem from excessive political involvement,” he said. “Nepal’s problem is this: politics does not happen where it should; it happens where it should not.”

He stressed that henceforth, individuals from the sports community, not politicians, should lead the sports sector. “From now on, it should be sports professionals leading sports, not politicians engaged in politics.”

Minister Pokharel highlighted the importance of bringing experienced sports personnel into relevant sports organizations.

“We will include regional experts who possess relevant expertise and experience in organizations like RAKHEP and other sports bodies to move forward together. Our key plan is to end the politicization within the sports sector,” he clarified.

He also noted that the ongoing controversy involving the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has worsened due to political interference and stressed the need to resolve such issues by involving sports experts.

“The ANFA controversy has deteriorated because of political involvement. Sports and politics should be separated first, and then collaboration with regional experts should be established,” he said.

Minister Pokharel pointed out that many Nepali athletes come from three departments, emphasizing the need to focus on training and nutrition from an early age. “Many Nepali athletes come from three different departments. Good training is essential up to a certain age, and even after reaching that age, quality training remains necessary. Starting proper training and nutrition from a young age will be beneficial.”

He also mentioned that programs he initiated during his tenure as the Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City will now be transformed into laws and policies to advance them more effectively.