The Tradition of Overseas Trips Under the Pretext of Sports: What Will Happen This Time?

An age-old tradition exists where officials tend to travel more than athletes to major international competitions like the Olympics, Asian Games, and South Asian Games. At the 19th Asian Games held in Huizhou, China, Nepal’s contingent included 253 athletes, but the total team size was nearly 400 members. Similar criticism arose at the Paris and Tokyo Olympics, where the number of coaches and officials exceeded that of the athletes. For the upcoming 20th Asian Games, the National Sports Council (Rakhap) has formed a 218-member team including 137 athletes and has announced that unrelated personnel will not be sent. Kathmandu, 21 August.

Three years ago, at the 19th Asian Games in Huizhou, China, Nepal sent 253 athletes who secured two medals. However, the total team, including athletes, coaches, and officials, numbered around 400. Previously, a similar situation occurred at the 33rd Summer Olympics in Paris in 2024, where only 7 athletes represented Nepal, but the number of coaches and officials was more than double—totaling 22. Nepal did not win any medals there.

The practice of traveling abroad and claiming allowances under the pretext of sports competitions has been long-standing in Nepali sports. Prioritizing officials over athletes in terms of necessary training and management has drawn criticism repeatedly. The 20th Asian Games will take place this Ashwin (September-October). There is concern about whether a large number of officials will attend again, or if only sports-related personnel will be present. The government has stated that unrelated individuals will not be sent this time. According to Ramcharitra Mehta, Secretary of Rakhap, a total Nepali contingent of 218 members, including 137 athletes, will participate in the upcoming Asian Games.