International hockey stadium to be built in Dhulikhel

Preparations are underway to build an international-standard hockey stadium and training center in Dhulikhel, Kavrepalanchok.

An agreement has been signed between the municipality and the District Sports Development Committee to build the stadium at Chisapani Danda, on the border of Dhulikhel Municipality wards 11 and 12. Acting mayor Nirajan Jangam signed the agreement on behalf of the municipality, and committee chairperson Manbir Waiba signed on behalf of the committee, on Thursday.

The stadium will be built on about 200 ropanis of land that the municipality has already allowed the Nepal Hockey Association to use for 40 years. Education section officer Bhojkumar Thakuri of the municipality said the federal government has allocated a budget of 30 million rupees for the current fiscal year 2083/084.

The project will be implemented through the National Sports Council, with a target of completing construction within two years. When there are no competitions, local schools, clubs and players will be able to practice regularly at the stadium.

Acting mayor Jangam said the plan was brought forward in line with the goal of making Dhulikhel a sports-friendly municipality. Hockey in the district has long remained limited due to a lack of adequate infrastructure.

Chairperson Waiba pledged to coordinate with government bodies for additional budget and infrastructure. District Hockey Association chairperson Swastik Byanju said he would actively support completion of the project. Ward 12 chairperson Mohan Prasad Lamichhane expressed confidence that the stadium would benefit the ward, the municipality and the country.