What Is 2019 National Games of Nepal

Overview

The 2019 National Games of Nepal marked the ninth official edition of the country’s premier multi-sport event, bringing together top athletes from across the nation. Hosted in Pokhara, the capital of Gandaki Province, the games served as a platform to promote sports development and national unity through competitive excellence.

Organized under the National Sports Council, the event spanned ten days and featured a wide array of disciplines, from traditional athletics to emerging Olympic-style sports. The 2019 games were notable for their scale, inclusivity, and the government’s push to elevate Nepal’s international sports profile.

• 3,500+ athletes participated, representing all seven provinces of Nepal, highlighting the federal structure’s role in sports representation.
• The games were officially opened on December 1, 2019, by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, emphasizing state-level support for sports.
• A total of 33 sports were contested, including football, volleyball, weightlifting, and wushu, reflecting a broad competitive scope.
• The closing ceremony took place on December 10, 2019, marking the end of a decade-long gap since the last full-scale National Games in 2016.
• Host city Pokhara invested in upgraded infrastructure, including renovated stadiums and athlete accommodations, to meet national standards.

How It Works

The National Games of Nepal operate as a quadrennial event, though scheduling irregularities have led to inconsistent intervals between editions. The games are coordinated by the National Sports Council with support from provincial governments and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

• Event Frequency: The games are intended to be held every four years, but the 2019 edition followed a three-year gap after 2016 due to political and logistical delays.
• Participating Units: Athletes compete by province, with Province 3 (Bagmati) and Province 4 (Gandaki) historically dominating medal tallies.
• Selection Process: Provincial sports associations conduct trials to select athletes, ensuring only top performers represent their regions.
• Scoring System: Medals are awarded per event, and a final ranking is calculated based on total gold, silver, and bronze counts.
• Funding: The federal government covers approximately 70% of the budget, with host provinces contributing the remainder through local sponsorship.
• Refereeing: Officials are certified by national federations, and international referees were used in select events like taekwondo and judo.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2019 National Games with previous editions in terms of participation, sports, and duration:

The 2019 games set new benchmarks in athlete participation and sports diversity, reflecting increased investment and federal engagement. The expansion from 28 sports in 2016 to 33 in 2019 included additions like equestrian and modern pentathlon, aligning with Olympic development goals.

Why It Matters

The 2019 National Games had lasting implications for sports policy, athlete development, and regional pride in Nepal. By decentralizing the event to Pokhara, organizers aimed to promote sports beyond the Kathmandu Valley and stimulate local economies.

• The games provided over 200 medals in individual and team events, offering recognition and potential national team selection.
• Young athletes from remote provinces gained exposure, with 45% of participants under the age of 21.
• Success in sports like athletics and boxing helped identify talent for international competitions such as the South Asian Games.
• Media coverage increased by 60% compared to 2016, boosting public interest in domestic sports.
• The event spurred infrastructure development, with three stadiums in Pokhara receiving major upgrades.
• It reinforced the federal government’s commitment to sports, leading to a 15% increase in the 2020 sports budget.

The 2019 National Games of Nepal were not just a sporting event but a catalyst for long-term change in how the country supports athletics, promotes inclusivity, and prepares for global competition.