Nepal has finished its campaign at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, securing only two bronze medals, significantly less than its goal of ten medals.
Entering the multi-sport event with optimism under the government’s ‘Mission 2026’ program, Nepal aimed for at least ten medals, including a gold. However, the 135-member athlete team, competing in 21 sports, achieved only two bronze medals.
The women’s kabaddi team retained its bronze medal from the previous Asian Games, and karateka Tenzing Sherpa also earned a bronze for Nepal. This outcome means Nepal is still awaiting its first Asian Games gold medal.
Expectations were high, especially since karateka Arika Gurung had previously won silver at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou. Unfortunately, she did not secure any medal this time, losing her bronze-medal match.
Concerns About Nepal’s Asian Games Preparation
The disappointing results have raised concerns about Nepal’s readiness for major international competitions.
Despite the government’s Mission 2026 aiming for improved performance at the Asian Games, athletes faced challenges related to funding, training, equipment, nutrition, and international exposure leading up to the event.
The experience of the women’s kabaddi team, which lost to India in the semifinals (India went on to win gold), highlighted the need for athletes to regularly compete against high-level international teams.
Need for a Long-Term Sports Strategy
Nepal’s recent performance has also prompted questions about athlete selection and grassroots development.
A sustainable strategy for winning medals should involve identifying promising athletes early, organizing regular national competitions, providing continuous training, and ensuring ample opportunities for international competition. Delays in national competitions can hinder sports authorities from identifying and preparing athletes for major international events.
Now back from the Asian Games with two bronze medals, Nepal has missed its ambitious target of ten medals.
This outcome is likely to amplify calls for the government and sports associations to allocate resources to sports with medal potential and to create a long-term system for developing athletes from the grassroots level.
For Nepal, the challenge ahead is not just to participate in major international events but to establish a consistent system that transforms participation into medals.