A Proud Moment For All Nepalese

His Majesty King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev formally declared open the Eighth edition of the South Asian Federation (SAF) Games at the Dashrath Stadium yesterday (Saturday). This is the second time that Nepal is hosting the most prestigious sporting meet of the region. All Nepalese are proud of the fact that the first ever SAF Games was also held here in Kathmandu in 1984. There are seven member nations in the South Asian Federation framework. They are Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri lanka and Nepal. According to SAF regulations, all the countries will host the Games in an alphabetical order, however, Bhutan and Maldives right in the beginning informed of their inability to organize the Games. But the rest of the nations all have hosted the regional event with Bangladesh and India having already playing hosts two times. Now Nepal becomes the third member to share that honor.

When amidst a grand ceremony His Majesty declared open the Eighth SAF Games, it was indeed a proud moment for all Nepalese. Apart from His Majesty’s Government, specially the Ministry for Youth, Sports and Culture and the Nepal Olympic Committee and the National Sports Council, people from all sectors have contributed in their own ways to make the Games a huge success. From small school children who have been training under the hot sun for many days, industrialists, hoteliers, media people, the police, Royal Nepal Army personnel and many others have contributed in their own ways. All Nepalese have considered the Games a matter of national prestige. And it is not only the results in the sporting field they are thinking of. They want all the participants and guests who are here for the Games, to feel most welcome and also enjoy their stay while in Nepal.

But apart from the pride the people feel, the hosting of the SAF Games has also benefited Nepal in it receiving a boost for the development of sports in the country. Like after the hosting of any other important sporting meet, it is sure that in the aftermath of the present SAF Games also many fresh talents will rise from Nepalese soil. Even now in the many training sessions, immense enthusiasm could be seen in the Nepalese athletes, those participating and also those observing from the sidelines. They feel as they will be playing on home ground, they will have to make extra efforts for the benefit of the local supporters. But winning should not be the only aim of the Nepalese athletes and others as well. It must be remembered that the objective of the spirit of the SAF Games is to spread a feeling of fraternity among the sportspersons and also the people of the region. Naturally some will win and some lose, but more important than that should be the feeling of brotherhood and friendship. Let us hope the present Kathmandu SAF Games will contribute significantly in enhancing such a spirit of friendship. And we on our part should make efforts to ensure the Games is a success on the competition fields and outside so that all participants take back fond memories of the Kathmandu Games.

 UK Defence Studies Group To Visit Nepal

An international delegation from the UK Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) is to visit Nepal from 25 September to 20 October as part of a study tour of South Asia. The team, which includes senior Armed Forces, Civil and Diplomatic Services Officers from the UK, Poland, Norway, Egypt, France and the United States of America, has already visited Pakistan. After their visit to Nepal the delegation will move to India.

"They are one of eight teams currently studying different regions of the world at first hand," a press release issued by the Kathmandu-based British Embassy says.

The delegation is to call on the Minister for Home, Secretary for Defence, Chief of the Army Staff, Inspector General of Police and the Deputy Secretary General of SAARC. They are to undertake a short 2 day trek to witness conditions in the hills at first hand.

The UK Royal College of Defence Studies in London exists to Òprepare selected senior officers and officials of the United Kingdom and certain other countries for high responsibilities in the direction and management of defence and security or other related areas of public policyÓ.

The Course is centred on high level security policy issues in a global context. A central theme is the challenge of managing change while preserving stability, and the relevance of political, economic and military power in this context. Emphasis is placed throughout on developing forward thinking about the shifting pattern of international political, economic and military relationships and on the implications of these relationships for world security.

A maximum of 80 members selected for their potential for high office attend each course. Half are invited to attend from overseas. The members come from the Armed Forces, civilians in government service, the police and the private sector.

Brigadier General Kiran Shamsher Thapa of the Royal Nepalese Army is on this year’s RCDS course in the UK. He is currently on a study tour covering Northern Europe (Russia, Norway, Finland and Estonia).