Education Minister Pokharel Bids Farewell to National Women's Football Team

Kathmandu. Education and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokharel, while bidding farewell to the Nepali national women's team departing for India to play in the SAFF Women's Championship, admitted that the state has still not been able to do enough in the sports sector.

Speaking at the farewell program organized on Thursday, Minister Pokharel made a self-criticism, stating that the state has not been able to provide adequate respect and facilities to the sports sector. He expressed his commitment that despite limited resources and means, efforts to develop the sports sector and increase the respect for athletes would continue.

He said, "With self-criticism, the state has not been able to do as much for the athletes as it should. We have not been able to give as much respect to the sports sector as it deserves. We are making efforts on how to develop the sports sector and how to honor the players by utilizing our limited resources and means."

Similarly, he expressed his gratitude, mentioning that Nepali athletes are proudly raising the national flag while representing the country.

Optimistic about the tournament, Minister Pokharel said, "Ultimately, it's a game, anything can happen. It's not that we absolutely must win, but our confidence is strong, so I believe Nepal will win this match." He also added that the government is making efforts toward increasing investment in the development of the sports sector.