'Three national level stadia in Eastern Region'

DHARAN, March 31: State Minister for Youth and Sports Gopi Achhami says three national level stadiums will be constructed in Eastern Region for the Seventh National Games and additional sports infrastructures in other districts.



During inspection of under-construction stadium in Dharan, Achhami revealed plans to construct an additional stadium in Itahari, and upgrade Biratnagar stadium to National level. [break]



"Targeting the Seventh National Games, we are planning to start construction of the stadiums, covered halls and other facilities in sports friendly districts of region," Achhami said adding, "A well equipped covered hall will be constructed in Jhapa."



"As the opening and closing ceremony will be organized in Dharan and Biratnagar the government will invest heavily for the construction of physical infrastructure," Achhami said. "We have made three plans for this, first we will request private sector, second through government´s own budget and resources and lastly by requesting government grant."



According to Achhami, the ministry has asked for budget of Rs 400 million and the construction works will begin soon after the allocation of budget.



"Other than this, ministry has also requested the Ministry of Finance to transfer of Rs 100 million from frozen budget," Achhami said adding, "If the budget is transferred at least three projects will start in a district as well as five to seven stadiums across the nation."



Though the works to upgrade Dharan Stadium to international standard has already begun, the construction work has been stalled since past seven months due to budget shortage.



The stadium is owned by National Sports Council (NSC). Budhasubba Gold Cup, annually held at Dharan stadium was conducted at the ANFA Technical Center this time due to this very reason.



According to Subash Rai, the secretary of stadium construction committee, stadium will have a capacity for 20,000 people, eight lane track and a football ground.



"So far we have already spent Rs 2.3 million given to us by the government and Rs 1.5 million from Dharan Municipality. The government has again given half of the allocated Rs 1.2 million and remaining construction work will begin promptly. Dharan Municipality has promised another Rs 2.4 million."

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