The Nepal cricket team preparing to participate in the 20th Asian Games was officially bid farewell on Saturday in Kathmandu by officials from the National Sports Council and Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN). CAN Secretary Paras Khadka highlighted that this opportunity comes in challenging post-flood circumstances and urged the players to deliver their best performance. Team captain Dipendra Singh Airee expressed the ambition of winning a medal, while coach Stuart emphasized the need for strong cricket to reach at least the quarterfinals.
Kathmandu, 3 Ashoj – The Nepalese cricket squad heading to Japan for the 20th Asian Games was given a send-off with best wishes by the National Sports Council (NSC) during a program on Saturday. NSC member secretary Ramcharitra Mehta and CAN secretary Paras Khadka both participated in the farewell ceremony. Khadka conveyed hope that this event would bring happiness to the nation amidst the recent devastating floods, stating, “After the flood tragedy, this is an opportunity to uplift the spirits of the entire country, and I urge all athletes to perform their absolute best.”
Ramcharitra Mehta, NSC member secretary, voiced confidence in the cricket team’s potential to secure a medal, saying, “Heartfelt wishes to the cricket team; I am confident they will bring home a medal. Wishing everyone success.” Captain Dipendra Singh Airee reaffirmed the team’s goal, “Our target is to win a medal, and the players’ morale is high.” Coach Stuart remarked that reaching the quarterfinals requires top-notch performance. He added, “To advance beyond the quarterfinals, we need to play excellent cricket, and I believe our team is capable of that. We are certain to win at least one medal.”
Nepal will face Afghanistan and Japan in the group stage of the Asian Games. In the quarterfinals, Nepal is likely to compete against either India or Sri Lanka. The members of the Nepal squad include: Dipendra Singh Airee (captain), Rohit Kumar Paudel, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Arif Sheikh, Asif Sheikh, Kushal Bhurtel, Lalit Rajbamsi, Gulshan Kumar Jha, Nandan Yadav, Lokesh Bam, Sandeep Jora, Sher Malla, and Kushal Malla.
