Sports Associations Demand Probe Into Khotang Sports Budget

Sports-related associations in Khotang have submitted a memorandum to the District Administration Office demanding an investigation into the sports budget. Representatives of the associations submitted the memorandum on Wednesday, accusing District Sports Development Committee Chair Ramesh Rai ‘Mahesh’ and office chief Lilabhakta KC of misusing the budget sent by the Koshi Province Sports Development Board for the 10th National Games. The Koshi Province Sports Development Board had sent Rs 800,000 to the district. According to office chief KC, Chair Rai took Rs 656,000 as an advance, Rs 20,000 was spent on office supplies, and Rs 144,000 was spent on the provincial-level women’s football tournament held in Buipa in Asar 2081.

Chair Rai had said on Jestha 30 that the advance amount was not withdrawn with wrong intention and would be deposited within three days. However, Nepal Shitoryu Karate Association Khotang Chair Milan Kasaju said the memorandum had to be submitted because the amount had not yet been returned. Chief District Officer Rekha Kandel said the allegation of budget misuse would be studied. The memorandum was signed by representatives of various sports associations, coaches, players and referees from Khotang. The district has also not held the President Running Shield competition this year.