-- Dhruba Bahadur Pradhan, IOC-recognized NOC chief
KATHMANDU, July 26: National Sports Council (NSC) Member Secretary Yuvaraj Lama and Dhruba Bahadur Pradhan, the president of Nepal Olympic Committee (NOC) recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), met officially on Friday for the first time after 15 months. [break]
NSC and NOC were at loggerheads since the build-up to the London Olympics last year and the leaders of the two institutions had not met officially since then. NOC Treasurer Chhimi Urken Gurung was also present in the meeting on Friday.
"It was a courtesy meeting at my office and we talked about the 12th South Asian Games, upcoming Youth Asian Games and inauguration of the NOC building. We also discussed the ongoing dispute over the legitimacy of NOC," said Lama.
According to Lama, NOC officials had informed NSC about the South Asian Olympic Association´s proposal to host the 12th SAG in Nepal. "I told the NOC if India has no objection to the proposal, NSC board will put forward the proposal to the ministry. However, we need two years to prepare for it," said Lama.
It was India´s turn to host the 12th SAG but it has been unable to host it because of controversy within the Indian Olympic Association and suspension imposed by the IOC following the controversy.
NOC President Pradhan also asked NSC for government´s presence in the Youth Asian Games to be held in Nanjing, China from August 16. Pradhan also requested NSC to support athletes participating in the tournament. "On behalf of NSC, I replied that we always support the idea of supporting the athletes. However, I strongly mentioned that NSC would support only those sports and athletes that have high probability to win medals," said Lama.
Meanwhile, Pradhan had given an invitation to Lama to inaugurate the newly constructed NOC building at Satdobato, Lalitpur.
According to Lama, he has advised the NOC leadership to be more transparent and follow the Olympic Charter. "I also advised them to end the controversy about the legitimacy of NOC," said Lama.
Meanwhile, NOC President Pradhan said the meeting ended the deadlock between two sports authorities of the country. "We have discussed about the participation in the Youth Asian Games and about hosting the 12th SAG and we found the NSC leadership positive about it. We are hopeful that we´ll get support from the government," said Pradhan.
Related story
NSC to organize national tournament from Nov 1
