Kathmandu: Education and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokharel will not travel to Japan to attend the 20th Asian Games, his secretariat has confirmed.
Pokharel had initially been listed as an official accompanying the Nepali delegation to the Asian Games. However, he has decided not to travel amid criticism over the planned visit and a heavy workload following the recent disasters.
“Minister Pokharel had said he would go if he could manage the time. But there is a heavy workload because of the disaster. The minister will no longer travel to Japan,” a member of his secretariat told Onlinekhabar.
National Sports Council (NSC) Member Secretary Ramcharitra Mehta has also decided not to travel to Japan for the Asian Games.
Mehta said preparations for the 10th National Games were the main reason behind his decision.
“If I go to Japan, it means postponing the 10th National Games. The National Games cannot move forward if I stay in Japan for 15 to 20 days without being present as member secretary,” Mehta said.
He said the Asian Games would go ahead even without his presence, but the absence could affect preparations for the National Games.
“That is why I have decided not to go to the Asian Games. The Games will take place even if I do not go, but the 10th National Games may not be held on time,” he said.
