The government on Sunday allocated Rs2.46 billion to the Youth and Sports Ministry for the fiscal year 2079/80, prioritising development of infrastructures in the country.

Out of the total allocated amount, Rs870 million has been earmarked for the infrastructures development programmes while the National Sports Council will get Rs2.09 billion.

The TU international cricket ground will be upgraded to host night events as well, said Finance Minister Janardan Sharma in his budget speech. The ground has not been able to host night events due to absence of floodlights. The government also plans to complete the construction of Mulpani Cricket Stadium in the current fiscal year.

The stalled construction works of Gautam Buddha International Cricket Stadium in Chitwan will also be resumed in coordination with provincial and local governments, according to Sharma. The construction works of the ambitious project that started in 2018 remains in limbo after Dhurmus-Suntali Foundation pulled out last year citing lack of budget.

The government has also allotted a budget for the Ninth National Games, scheduled for October 14-20 in Gandaki Province and has planned to build infrastructures required for the 10th National Games to be organised in Karnali Province.

The government has set aside a budget to construct a high-altitude sports and training centre in Jumla district. Plans to construct a women’s cricket academy and stadium in Kohalpur of Banke, and international standard cricket stadium and sports gram in Fapla, Dhangadhi are also on the cards.

Further, the government pledges to prepare and implement a 20-year master plan for the development of sports, motivate private sectors to establish a sports university, and create a suitable environment for foreign clubs to organise franchise leagues.

Minister Sharma said that the government will make the roles of sports association in organisation of sports events effective, conduct programmes to upgrade the capacity of players and coaches, give continuity to motivational programmes to players, and insure players and coaches participating in the national and international events.

The government also plans to increase the grants to the sports associations and provide lifelong monthly incentives to medal winners in the Asian and Olympic Games.