Jun 23, Kathmandu- Youth and Sports Minister Birajbhakta Shrestha has said that the ministry is working on the development of the sports sector as the first priority.

Answering the questions raised on the Appropriation Bill, 2081 in today's meeting of the House of Representatives, he said that the development of the sports sector, which is increasing the attraction of the youth, is the first priority of the Ministry of Development. Minister Shrestha said that the ministry has given priority to increase national unity and national pride by preparing healthy and disciplined citizens through sports. He said that he is trying to protect and develop the sports sector, which is attracting the youth, to participate in nation building.

Sports Minister Shrestha said that despite the limited resources, he is striving for the overall improvement of the sports sector. He said that to solve the problem of unemployment among the youth and to encourage them in nation building, the ministry has put forward a model youth program. Minister Shrestha informed that construction of Moolpani cricket stadium, installation of 'flood lights' in Kirtipur cricket ground, sports fitness hall and equipment arrangement, high-altitude training center and establishment of sports training center have been prioritized for the development of sports infrastructure. According to him, youth targeted programs such as ``Know your soil'' have been introduced based on research to protect the youth from exploitation and poverty.

Minister Shrestha made it clear that this time there is an obligation to spend more budget on programs than on infrastructure. He informed that a budget of 600 million rupees has been allocated for the national sports competition and an amount of 500 million rupees has been arranged for the Moolpani Cricket Stadium.