Kathmandu – The Prime Minister Cup One Day Men’s National Tournament began today, with Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya inaugurating the event.
To mark the official opening, Chief Minister Acharya batted while the President of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), Chatur Bahadur Chand, bowled the first delivery.
The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has organized the tournament across three venues: Deukhuri International Cricket Ground, Siddhartha Stadium, and Tilottama Extra Tech Oval Ground.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony at Deukhuri International Cricket Ground, Chief Minister Acharya highlighted the growing role of sports tourism in the country’s development and prosperity.
“Sports tourism is expanding, which is a positive sign,” he said. “Sports are becoming a means of economic prosperity, and both national and international tournaments are attracting foreign tourists.”
He further stated that the government is prioritizing the sports sector, focusing on infrastructure development, enhancing player capacity, and nurturing new talent.
President Chand emphasized the significance of hosting the Prime Minister Cup outside Kathmandu Valley for the first time, stating that its organization in Lumbini Province marks a milestone in Nepalese cricket.
A total of ten teams are participating in the tournament, including teams from all seven provinces and three departmental teams: Tribhuvan Army Club, Armed Police Force Club, and Nepal Police Club.
The tournament, which started today, will continue until March 29.