Oli Accuses Government Intervention for ANFA's International Ban

KP Sharma Oli, Chairman of the CPN (UML), has stated that sports are an important medium that reflects society's physical and mental health, civilization, culture, and overall level of development.

Addressing the national gathering of the Nepal Sports Federation, he noted that while countries smaller and less developed than Nepal are performing remarkably in world football, he expressed grief over Nepali football reaching a state of international ban.

He said, "The necessity of sports is for physical and mental health, to reflect various aspects of society, and to introduce the society's civilization and culture. It is also to project a picture of what a society looks like. Sports play an extraordinary role and hold great importance in showing the state of society. World football is currently underway. Countries smaller than us are putting up amazing performances. Meanwhile, our ANFA has been banned from international matches. What an ironic turn of events. Countries smaller than us are playing astonishingly well. Underdeveloped nations, and those just entering the developing phase, are creating a sensation in world football, but Nepali football is under a ban."

Oli alleged that there has been external interference in the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), claiming that this is the reason behind the international ban. He emphasized that opportunities in the sports sector should be provided based on merit, capability, and competition.

He mentioned that athletes' talents should be identified and encouraged in their respective disciplines, adding that forcing them into fields where they lack capability will not yield the expected results.

Similarly, stressing that athletes must receive adequate nutrition, training, and the necessary environment for physical development, he stated that the government's role is crucial in creating such conditions.

Oli reiterated his accusation that government intervention has pushed ANFA into a state of ban from international competitions, pointing out the urgent need to change this situation.

He said, "A situation where players become weak due to lack of nutrition or cannot achieve proper physical development should not exist. The government should be paying attention to this. Instead, by intervening, the government has led ANFA to a point where it faces a ban from international matches. We must change this situation."