The 10th National Games of Nepal, hosted in the heart of Karnali Province, marked a new chapter in the country's sporting history. Held from April 5 to 12, 2025, in Surkhet, these games brought together more than 6,000 athletes from across Nepal to compete in 37 different sports disciplines.
Why Karnali Was Chosen for the 10th National Games
Karnali Province is often described as Nepal's "hidden jewel" - rich in culture, tradition, and natural beauty. Key objectives included:
- Promoting sports tourism
- Boosting local economy
- Encouraging infrastructural development
Aligned with government initiatives like the Special Tourism Year 2025 and Visit Nepal Decade 2023-2033.
Top 5 Highlights of the Games
1. Record Participation
Over 6,000 athletes from seven provinces and three departmental teams.
2. New Sports Introduced
Paragliding, Mountain Biking, and Traditional Sports like Kho-Kho.
3. Infrastructure Development
Upgraded Surkhet Stadium meeting international standards.
4. Women's Participation
35% increase in female athletes compared to previous games.
5. Cultural Showcases
Traditional dances and music from Karnali region.
Medal Tally Breakdown
- Nepal Army: Gold - 78 | Silver - 65 | Bronze - 52
- Province 1: Gold - 42 | Silver - 38 | Bronze - 35
- Karnali Province: Historic 12 gold medals
5 Lasting Impacts on Karnali
- Improved sports infrastructure
- 15% tourism increase post-games
- New sports academies established
- Enhanced national connectivity
- Youth sports participation doubled
Positive Impacts of the National Games on Karnali
Hosting the 10th National Games has already started producing positive outcomes for Karnali:
- Infrastructure Boost: Roads, hotels, and sports facilities in Surkhet have seen rapid development.
- Employment Opportunities: Local businesses benefited immensely from the influx of athletes, officials, and visitors.
- Cultural Exposure: Karnali’s unique traditions gained nationwide attention through media coverage.
- Youth Inspiration: The event motivated local youth to pursue sports as a career path, leading to increased enrollment in local sports academies
Chalenged Faced
Despite the success, there were challenges too:
- Limited transportation facilities made travel difficult for some teams.
- Accommodation shortage was a problem initially, although later managed with emergency setups.
- Some technical difficulties were reported in event management software during scoring and scheduling.
Future Prospects
Plans include:
- National Sports Academy development
- Annual Karnali Sports Festival
- International tournament bids by 2030
"The 10th National Games proved remote regions can become centers of national pride." - Sports Minister
Conclusion
This historic event positioned Karnali as both a sporting hub and tourist destination, aligning with Nepal's vision to become a regional leader in adventure tourism and competitive sports.
