Kathmandu: Nepal, known for its stunning landscapes from the green plains of the Terai to the majestic mountains, is quickly becoming a popular destination for adventurous sports. The country’s diverse terrain is perfect for activities like, Air-sports -paragliding, mountaineering, cycling, and white-water rafting. Among these exciting and adventurous sports, motorsports are gaining significant attention. They are in the full throttle.
In this article, we’ll focus on the rise of motorsports in Nepal and explain why the next decade is set to be dominated by this thrilling activity. Motorsports offer an exciting way to explore Nepal’s natural beauty and are poised to boost tourism and the local economy. Join us as we discuss why motorsports could become the top adventurous sport in Nepal in the coming years.
Stepping Towards Record Keeping: A Recap of March-April 2024 in Nepalese Motorsports
In March-April 2024, Nepal’s motorsports community reached historic heights. The Nepal Automobile’s Association, the leading authority for motorsports in Nepal, witnesses four landmark national events:
1. Kathmandu-Kaski-Mustang-TDS Bike Rally
2. Pokhara-Moto-Enduro Cross Championship
3. Flat Track Bike Race
4. First Nepal Chitwan-Mt. Everest TDS Four-Wheeler Car Rally, featuring an Autocross Competition in Hetauda, held at Nepal’s first Provincial-level motorsports track.
These events stored immense attention, with over 10 million views (estimated) on different social media and more than 10,000 spectators in attendance. This widespread interest reflects the growing fascination with motorsports in Nepal. All together in 2023NASA-Nepal Recorded 10 National-Provinciallevel events and two international participations.
Looking at Sports Through a Philosophical Lens
Why do nations invest in sports? Is there a mandatory rule that compels nations to spend wealth on sports? While there might not be direct financial benefits to the country, sports serve as symbols of unity, fitness, and kindness, among other parameters, which are beneficial in various ways:
National Pride: Success in sports can ignite pride and patriotism among citizens. Major victories in international competitions symbolize a nation’s strength, resilience, and global capability.
Cultural Identity: Sports reflect a nation’s culture and history, serving as symbols of cultural identity and heritage.
International Relations: Sports events foster diplomatic relations and goodwill between countries, enhancing a nation’s image on the world stage.
Community Unity: Sports promote community unity and inclusion, providing a platform for people to come together based on shared interests and goals.
Economic Development: Investment in sports infrastructure generates revenue, creates jobs, and stimulates tourism. Hosting major sporting events showcases a nation’s capabilities and attracts investment.
Health and Well-being: Participation in sports promotes physical fitness and well-being, contributing to a healthier population and reducing healthcare costs.
The three paths in sports
In the realm of sports, there exist three distinct paths: 1. Basic sports, 2. competitive sports, and 3. sustainable sports.
Basic sports encompass foundational activities typically introduced at the primary or school level, aimed at educating pupils about various sports and promoting physical activity. These activities often serve as the building blocks for further involvement in sports.
Competitivesports, on the other hand, revolve around organized competitions where athletes engage in rigorous training and competition with the aim of achieving rewards, such as medals and recognition. These competitions range from local and national events to international tournaments, showcasing athletes’ skills and abilities on a competitive stage.
Sustainable Sports:
Sustainable sports can sustain themselves financially, with gate money indicating a large fan base. They should be suitable for the nation and engage viewers for at least 1 to 2 hours. Additionally, if sports activities can sustain promoters, clubs, and players, they qualify as sustainable sports. It does not mean that Sustainable sports are not acompetitive, it also plays for the medal and cups.
However, it’s the concept of sustainable sports, also known as income-generating sports, that warrants closer examination. Sustainable sports differ from basic and competitive sports in that they are specifically structured to generate income and support themselves financially. These sports cater to a broader spectrum of interests and have the potential to contribute significantly to the economy.
The viability and nature of sustainable sports vary from one country to another, influenced by factors such as national interests, geographical landscape, cultural preferences, and economic conditions. For instance, a country blessed with natural resources suitable for certain sports, such as skiing or surfing, may prioritize the development of these activities as sustainable sports.
In this article, the focus is on advocating for the importance of sustainable sports and justifying their current need within the context of Nepal. By investing in sustainable sports, Nepal can harness its unique geographical features and cultural heritage to create income-generating opportunities within the sports industry. This strategic approach not only promotes economic growth but also fosters national pride, community unity, and individual well-being through active participation in sports.
From the Player’s Perspective:
Players contribute medals and pride to the nation. The question arises: who is responsible for their secure future? Sports should be sustainable, and involvement from the primary stage should be academically and career-focused. Professionalizm in sports entails increasing values, demands, and requirements as players progress.
Motorsports: A Sustainable Sport in Nepal
Many people wonder if Nepal has motorsports players or if Nepalese can afford to engage in this activity. The reality is quite different. Nepal does have motorsports players who have participated in global competitions. Nepal boasts a well-organized federation with trained marshals, motorcycle racers, licensed holders, and active sports clubs.
When people think of motorsports, they usually imagine MotoGP for two-wheelers or Formula One for four-wheelers. However, it’s time to educate the public and sports authorities in Nepal about the various races and activities in motorsports. From high-speed to cruising, adventurous to thrilling, and slow driving to city touring, there’s a wide range of activities to explore, catering to different interests.
Affordability is a concern, and this article emphasizes the need for consideration by government bodies. Motorsports isn’t just about adventure; it has the potential to become a prime tourism product for Nepal if managed wisely.
The country’s diverse geography offers scenic environments, from plains to hills to mountains, attracting tourists worldwide. From dry to moist, from rain to dust, and from cold to warm climates, Nepal’s varied weather conditions add to the allure of its landscapes.
Race on the Road: The Infrastructure Concern
Nepal is not lacking in wealth or Nepal isn’t short of riches; some smart folks compare it to having a golden bowl but still wanting more. What we really need to work on is our thinking, learning, and how we use what we have. its the mentality, education, and utilization that need improvement. When discussing sports, the focus is often on covered halls, stadiums, and tracks. While motorsports also require such infrastructure, it’s essential to utilize existing resources effectively.
Public roads, parking lots of airports and malls, unused runways, bus parks, and streets are available resources in Nepal.
Many countries host motor racing events on public roads or street circuits, including Monaco, Singapore, Australia, Azerbaijan, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
These street circuit races offer a unique and challenging environment for drivers, attracting large crowds and contributing to the local economy through tourism. Countries like Monaco, Singapore, and Azerbaijan are known for hosting prestigious street circuit races, showcasing the fusion of high-speed racing with iconic cityscapes.
In Nepal, utilizing existing infrastructure for motorsports can help promote tourism and economic growth. It’s time to tap into this potential and realize the benefits of motorsports as a sustainable sport in Nepal.
The Next Decade: Nepal’s Era of Motorsports
As we think about the big achievements in motorsports, the huge excitement from everyone involved, and the buzz it got on social media, it’s clear that Nepal is on the edge of big changes in sports. The massive success of various events in past numbers of years is just the beginning of what’s to come in the next ten years. The Nepal Automobile’s Association, affiliated with the National Sports Council, has seven active provincial units, each working hard to promote motor sporting activities in their areas.
In the very near future, Nepal will have three historic race tracks. While the existing track in Dhulikhel has served the nation for a decade, the upcoming tracks in Hetauda and Surkhet, currently being built by the respective provincial governments and Provincial Sports Development Councils, mark a new chapter for motorsports enthusiasts. With the collective support of the Tourism Board, all three tiers of government, the Sports Council, and the Federation, recognizing the importance of sustainable sports, Nepal is set to move forward.
The rising importance of motorsports depends on one key factor: discipline. With everyone involved, like players, organizers, and officials, working together to be more professional, motorsports in Nepal is set to grow a lot. If sports clubs focus on being really good and coming up with new ideas, they can make sure competitions are top-notch and really exciting for fans and future athletes.
This increase in interest in motorsports not only helps talented individuals grow but also lays the groundwork for big economic gains. As players secure their careers and investors make money, Nepal’s motorsports sector will become a strong and sustainable industry, capturing attention among all sporting events and players. With exciting opportunities waiting for motorsports players, the next decade is set to be a great time for motorsports in Nepal.
Ten reasons why the next 10 years in Nepal will be the years of motorsports
- Sustainable Sports: Motorsports offer a sustainable model for athletic engagement, as they can generate revenue through ticket sales, sponsorships, and merchandise, ensuring long-term viability and growth.
- Geographical Advantages: Nepal’s diverse terrain, ranging from plains to hills to mountains, provides the perfect backdrop for a variety of motorsports activities, attracting enthusiasts and athletes from around the world.
- Wide Range of Products:One sports with variety: Motorsports encompass a wide range of disciplines, including rallying, circuit racing, off-roading, and motocross, catering to diverse interests and skill levels within the Nepalese population.
- Enthusiastic Community: Nepal boasts a passionate and dedicated community of motorsports enthusiasts, comprising players, fans, organizers, and volunteers, who actively contribute to the development and promotion of the sport.
- Federation’s Infrastructure: The Nepal Automobile’s Association, supported by its provincial units, has developed robust infrastructure, including tracks, facilities, and regulatory frameworks, laying the groundwork for the expansion of motorsports activities nationwide.
- Experienced Professionals: The motorsports industry in Nepal is strengthened by a team of experienced professionals, including drivers, mechanics, event organizers, and safety personnel, who bring a wealth of expertise and knowledge to the table.
- Existing Infrastructure Utilization Policy: By leveraging existing infrastructure such as public roads, parking lots, and unused spaces, Nepal can optimize resources and minimize the costs associated with establishing dedicated motorsports facilities.
- Government Acceptance:Theacceptance of motorsports as a genuine sport signifies official recognition and support from the concern department , indicating a positive shift towards its development and growth .All the Members and Officials of the sports council are increasingly supportive, demonstrating a willingness to invest resources and create a conducive environment for motorsports development.
- International Collaboration: Collaborating with international motorsports organizations, events, and professionals provides Nepalese athletes and organizers with opportunities for skill development, exposure to global standards, and participation in prestigious competitions.
- Economic Opportunities: Motorsports offer significant economic opportunities, including job creation, tourism revenue, and brand promotion, contributing to overall economic growth and development in Nepal.
These factors collectively position Nepal as a promising hub for motorsports in the coming decade, fostering a vibrant ecosystem that nurtures talent, promotes inclusivity, and drives socio-economic progress.
Conclusion
To sum up, the future is bright for motorsports in Nepal. With hard work, teamwork, and a commitment to being the best, we’re well on our way to making motorsports a big part of Nepali sports culture.
Author: Mr. Anil Kumar Baral, a PhD scholar, holds the distinction of being Nepal’s first international player in the highest level of motorsports. Serving as the National captain, he showcased his talents on the global stage by participating in the Auto-slalom Race in Europe back in 2022. With a remarkable career spanning various countries including India, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, and more, Mr. Baral has been a dedicated representative of Nepal in motorsports.
Beyond his achievements on the track, Mr. Baral actively contributes to the development and training of players through his participation in national events. His role as the Central Vice President and Head of Two-wheel commission of the Nepal Automobiles Association, an affiliated governing body of Nepal for motorsports recognized by FIA and FIM, underscores his commitment to advancing the sport at home and abroad.
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