Vishal Shrestha Assumes Office as National Sports Council Vice-Chairman

Kathmandu. Newly appointed National Sports Council (NSC) Vice-Chairman Vishal Shrestha has stated that reaching a high position has made him feel more responsible for developing the sports sector from the playground.

Speaking at a welcome and assumption of office ceremony held at the NSC office in Tripureswor, he said that it is a great opportunity to work for the development of this sector by playing on the sports field.

Former goalkeeper of the Nepali national football team, Shrestha expressed his gratitude to the government for giving him this responsibility to work for the development of this sector after having the privilege of representing the country in sports for the past two decades. He assured that he would move forward in coordination with all sports associations and in collaboration with the Nepal government for sports development while in this position.

He mentioned that he is very happy to come from the sports field to sports development and that there is a lot of work to be done. He stated that it is only possible to work for overall sports development if all stakeholders unite. He emphasized the need to take Nepali sports to new heights together.

Following the issuance of the Nepal government's special ordinance on the dismissal of public officials, 1,494 officials were dismissed at once. With this, the executive committee and the board of the NSC became vacant.

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Education and Sports appointed Vishal Shrestha as Vice-Chairman and four other board members to the vacant positions. The four appointed members include former cricketer Shakti Gauchan, former national chess champion Monalisa Khumbu, table tennis player Sikka Suwal, and Pawan Shahi, who was injured during a demonstration.

These newly appointed officials and members assumed their office at the NSC office in Tripureswor on Thursday. On that occasion, NSC Member-Secretary Ramcharitra Mehta and staff congratulated and welcomed them. Member-Secretary Mehta expressed confidence that the arrival of new officials at a special time and situation would greatly help in enhancing the dignity of sports.

He expressed hope that the new officials would do good work as the government is striving to create an environment where sports are perceived very positively. He mentioned that the ministry is also paying attention to solving the problems in sports and that the role of the newly appointed officials will be crucial in professionalizing sports. He stated that the Sports Council is working to address the current problems in sports.

Former national player Vishal Shrestha also announced his retirement from professional football career through social media after being appointed as the Vice-Chairman of the NSC on Thursday. He recently played for Machhindra Club and announced his retirement through that medium. He had already retired from international football on Poush 7, 2080. The 33-year-old Vishal has played in the domestic league for Manang Marshyangdi, Nepal Police, and Machhindra, and in the Nepal Super League (NSL) for Butwal Lumbini FC and FC Chitwan.

Similarly, Shakti Gauchan, appointed as an NSC board member, is former spinner and coach of the Nepali national cricket team, Shakti Prasad Gauchan. Monalisa Khumbu, appointed as a member, is a former national chess champion, and Sikka Suwal is also a national table tennis player.