05/25/2024
Kathmandu, Nepal – Ganesh Kunwar Bahadur, President of the Nepal Traditional Sports and Games (NTSG) and member of the International Council of Traditional Sports and Games (ICTSG), recently held a productive meeting with Nirina Shakya and Nipuna Shrestha Singh from the UNESCO Culture Unit. The meeting took place at the UNESCO Headquarters in Kathmandu, marking a significant milestone in efforts to support and promote traditional sports and games in Nepal. Barsha Lekhi, Indigenous Engagement Specialist at UNESCO, also attended the meeting online.
The collaboration between NTSG and UNESCO underscores a shared commitment to preserving and celebrating Nepal's rich cultural heritage. Traditional sports and games are integral to the cultural identity of Nepal, embodying the values, history, and social practices of various communities across the country.
During the meeting, Bahadur, Shakya, and Shrestha Singh discussed various strategies to enhance the visibility and sustainability of traditional sports. Key points included the implementation of educational programs, the organization of cultural festivals, and the integration of traditional games into the national sports curriculum.
"This meeting marks a new era for traditional sports in Nepal," said Ganesh Kunwar Bahadur. "With the support of UNESCO, we aim to revive and promote these valuable cultural practices, ensuring they are passed down to future generations."
Nirina Shakya and Nipuna Shrestha Singh expressed their enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting UNESCO's dedication to cultural preservation and the importance of traditional sports in fostering community spirit and unity.
As part of the collaboration, UNESCO will provide technical and financial assistance to support various initiatives aimed at revitalizing traditional sports and games in Nepal. This includes the documentation and digitalization of traditional sports practices, as well as the creation of platforms for local communities to share and celebrate their cultural heritage. Navaraj Kharel, Vice President of Nepal Traditional Sports and Games (NTSG), was also present at the meeting.
The meeting concluded with a shared vision for the future, emphasizing the importance of traditional sports in promoting cultural diversity, social cohesion, and national pride. Both parties are optimistic about the positive impact this collaboration will have on the preservation and promotion of Nepal's rich cultural traditions.
The Nepal Traditional Sports and Games organization, under the leadership of Ganesh Kunwar Bahadur, continues to work tirelessly to safeguard Nepal's cultural heritage, ensuring that traditional sports and games remain a vibrant part of the nation's cultural landscape
