Kathmandu: The recent Gen-G movement, which escalated into widespread violence, has left a trail of destruction across Nepal’s government and private sector infrastructure. Many major buildings have been reduced to ashes, and the full extent of the damage is yet to be determined. Experts warn that it will take a long time to restore these structures and that the incident will have a significant long-term impact on Nepal’s economy.

Impact on Sports Sector

Sports is among the sectors hardest hit by the unrest. Before the protests, several national and international sporting events were underway or in preparation. The Everest Women’s Volleyball League, a major franchise tournament in Pokhara featuring top players from Europe, America, South America, and Asia, had to be suspended midway. The arrival of star athletes had been seen as a chance to elevate Nepali volleyball, but the violent turn of events forced organizers to halt operations.

The situation worsened when protesters set fire to the hotel where the foreign players were staying, destroying their belongings. Organizers reported that the athletes were terrified, with some vowing never to return to Nepal. “Despite repeated requests, we were not allowed to take out the players’ belongings. Some said they would never come back. This is a huge loss for Nepali sports,” said a member of the organizing team.

Organizer Aamir Akhtar added that this incident would have a ripple effect on all franchise leagues. “Sponsors support these leagues for commercial joy. After such incidents, they are unlikely to stay happy. This will hurt the entire sporting economy for at least a year,” he said.

Franchise and Domestic Leagues Affected

The Nepal Premier League (NPL), scheduled for Mangsir 1 to 27, is also under threat. The NPL trophy tour has already been disrupted, affecting the Cricket Association of Nepal’s (CAN) branding efforts. While CAN spokesperson Chhumbi Lama assured that there is still time and preparations would continue, the financial and psychological impact on franchise teams has been significant.

Football, volleyball, athletics, and other sports have also been affected. A friendly football match between Bangladesh and Nepal was canceled, the Kabha Women’s Volleyball League was postponed after a decision by the Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA), and several domestic events such as the Nepalgunj Night Run and second mountain race were called off.

Effect on National Teams and Awards

The national team’s preparations for the 20th Asian Games have been disrupted, as most players belong to the Army, Police, and Armed Police Force and are currently on departmental duty. According to Deepak Bista, Director of the NSC National Team Preparation Committee, training will resume once the situation normalizes.

Additionally, the prestigious NSJF Pulsar Sports Awards, which were in their final preparation stages, have been postponed after the event venue was set on fire, causing further losses.

Long-Term Challenges

The violent protests have raised serious concerns about Nepal’s ability to host international sporting events safely. Organizers are now hesitant to hold such competitions, and it may take years to regain the confidence of foreign players, sponsors, and broadcasters.