Before high profile international tournaments Nepali sports bodies and corporate houses promise grand rewards for athletes who bring glory to the nation. Unfortunately, seldom are the athletes able to deliver and cash-in on the bounty.The whole concept of huge rewards for sporting glory is flawed. You have to give athletes the tools to succeed before a sporting event - not after. It's like telling your child if they learn to read, you'll send them to school. Pretty ridiculous, no?
The Nepal government recently promised life-long social security for Asian Games and Olympic gold medalists. In fairness, it is part of a broader sports development plan which includes preparations for the SAF Games and an Sports Academy in Hetauda. However, history has repeatedly shown us that most of the allocated funds will be spent on administration and travel and not the welfare of the athletes. How then can we expect them to put on stellar performances? (Photo from Deepak Bista's website)
