Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun inaugurated the 9th National Games amidst a grand ceremony at Pokhara Stadium here Friday evening.
On the occasion, Vice President Pun said the game is a grand celebration for the players. It helps prepare new talents. He hoped that the 9th National Games would contribute to establishing Pokhara also as the destination of sports tourism.
Urging the players to participate in the games being confident and with high morale, Vice President Pun extended best wishes to them. The problems in the sports sector should be resolved gradually. He also urged the government for building necessary infrastructures for sports.
Sports are directly related to the life of every player, he said, adding that such grand sports events contribute to national prosperity. Sports also build fraternity, peace, and understanding for its development. It is related to the country's identity, he observed.
Similarly, Member Secretary of the National Sports Council, Tanka Lal Ghising, said it is a matter of happiness to inaugurate the 9th National Games despite several challenges. The ceremony must have elated everyone, he added.
According to him, it took seven month's preparation to hold this grand sports event. He however said as there were no infrastructures for swimming, shooting, and hockey, the related players were disappointed.
In the tournament to continue till October 20, a total of 38 games - 36 in competition and two for show- will be played. 11 teams are having 6,157 players competing in different games. Players from all seven provinces are attending the games.
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