10th National Games: Karnali to Host Most Events as Venues Are Allocated

SURKHET — Preparations for Nepal’s 10th National Games have moved forward after the Ministry of Education and Sports finalised venue allocations for the multi-sport event scheduled to take place in Karnali Province from 2 to 12 December 2026.

Under the venue plan reported on 10 November, Surkhet will host 23 of the 32 official sporting disciplines. Five events will be staged in neighbouring districts within Karnali Province, while four technical sports will be held in Lumbini Province. Preliminary competitions are scheduled to begin on 24 November, ahead of the formal opening ceremony.

Surkhet at the centre of the Games

The allocation places Surkhet at the heart of the event, with a broad programme that includes athletics, football, cricket, volleyball and martial arts among the sports listed for the Games. The use of venues in other districts is intended to distribute some of the competition activity beyond the provincial capital, while the decision to stage selected technical disciplines in Lumbini reflects the need for suitable facilities.

Hosting a national multi-sport event across several locations requires coordination between sports authorities, local governments, venue managers and technical officials. Facilities must be prepared for athletes and spectators, while organisers need to ensure that transport, accommodation, equipment and competition schedules are ready before the opening date.

Preliminary competitions begin before the opening

The preliminary events are scheduled to start on 24 November, giving organisers a period to conduct competitions before the formal Games programme begins on 2 December. This arrangement also means teams and athletes may need to arrive ahead of the opening ceremony, depending on their event schedules.

For athletes, the National Games provide an important domestic platform to compete against representatives from across the country. Strong performances can help raise the profile of emerging talent and provide selectors with information when assessing athletes for future national teams and international competitions.

Infrastructure and legacy will matter

Bringing a large number of sports to Karnali offers an opportunity to strengthen regional sports infrastructure and increase public interest in organised competition. However, the long-term value of hosting the Games will depend on whether venues remain accessible and useful after the event concludes. Investment in maintenance, coaching, sports education and regular competitions is essential if the facilities are to support athletes beyond a single tournament.

Organisers will also need to publish detailed event schedules and venue information so athletes, teams and spectators can plan their travel. The final arrangements should be followed through official ministry and National Sports Council announcements as the start date approaches.

With the venue allocations now reported as finalised, attention turns to readiness on the ground. Karnali’s hosting role is a major opportunity to bring national sport to the region, and the success of the 10th National Games will be measured not only by the competitions themselves but also by the sporting legacy they leave behind.

Source: Nepal News, 10 November 2026.