21 April 2009

Stadium propasal for Prachanda

The Prime Minister during the opening ceremony of the 5th Nation Games promised five new stadiums and one new international standard stadium in the coming years to help develop Nepali sports. I think most of us will be shocked if just one stadium is built. Nevertheless, below is my stadium proposal to Prachanda. I feel it is the most practical solution if the government is truly committed to developing sports.

1) Instead of spending Carores on a new international stadium, upgrade Dasarath Rangasala by (a) installing an artificial pitch that can be used year round, (b) increase capacity by adding a second level on the east side of the stadium and by filling in the west-side corners, (c) add more amenities such as extra toilets/urinals (like over 100!), broadcast booth, hospitality areas, etc.


2) Don't waste money on another five stadiums! Instead, build five indoor halls/gymnasiums - one each in the five development regions.

If a stadium is not of international standards - it can pretty much only support two sports: athletics and football. Even then, for athletics, a proper running track is required for top class training. Therefore, it would be much better for the government to spend money on building gyms and covered halls that will be able to accommodate over a dozen sports (Just off the top of my head I can name - Boxing, Taekwondo, Karate, Wushu, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Table Tennis, Badminton, Volleyball, Futsal, Basketball, Handball, Kabbaddi). The indoor facilities would cost perhaps a fraction of a proper stadium. Seeing that Nepal's medals at the Asian Games and SAF Games have primarily come from power sports such as Taekwondo and Karate, it makes much more sense to create infrastructure that promotes those sports.