Dashrath Stadium Faces Neglect Amidst Global Football Fever

Kathmandu. The world is currently abuzz with the football World Cup. From cities to villages, fields, futsals, and street corners, football fans are engrossed in football discussions and games. However, Nepal's premier international football stadium, Dashrath Stadium, has fallen into a deplorable state due to a lack of proper management and regular maintenance.

The field of Dashrath Stadium is currently overgrown with tall grass, and the spectator seats and goalposts have begun to rust. Due to the absence of regular cleaning, conservation, and maintenance, this stadium, considered a heritage of Nepali sports, appears to be deteriorating.

Following the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA)'s suspension by FIFA on Asar 11, international competitions scheduled have been postponed for the time being. However, as the responsibility for the daily management, conservation, and maintenance of the stadium lies with the National Sports Council (NSC), football enthusiasts state that the field should not be neglected even in the absence of competitions.

The last international women's football tournament involving four nations was held at Dashrath Stadium on February 26, 2025. Since then, no international football competition has taken place here.

While enthusiasm for football is growing worldwide, the condition of Nepal's main international stadium is a cause for concern. Even in the absence of international competitions, there is a need for the concerned bodies to pay special attention to the regular maintenance of the stadium, grass management, cleaning, and infrastructure conservation.

Photo: Nepal Photo Library