MP Shrestha Demands Sports to be Made Compulsory in School Curriculum

Member of Parliament (MP) Shrestha has proposed a significant shift in Nepal's education policy, advocating for sports to be made a compulsory subject from the primary school level. Speaking during the session in the House of Representatives today, the lawmaker emphasized that physical activity is as crucial as academic excellence for the overall growth of a student.

A Call for Curriculum Reform: MP Shrestha criticized the current education system for being overly focused on theoretical knowledge and "bookish burdens." He argued that the lack of physical engagement is making students more sedentary and dependent on digital screens. "To produce disciplined, social, and physically fit citizens, we must dedicate at least one hour of the daily school schedule to sports," Shrestha stated.

Addressing Infrastructure Gaps: During his speech, he highlighted the alarming lack of playgrounds and qualified sports instructors in both public and private schools. He suggested that the government should set strict criteria for school registration, ensuring that no new school is granted a license without a dedicated playground. Furthermore, he urged local authorities to utilize public lands to build community sports facilities for existing schools.

Building a Foundation for International Success: MP Shrestha also linked school-level sports to national pride. He mentioned that international sports stars are identified and nurtured at the grassroots level. "If we want to see Nepal's flag flying high at the Olympics or the Asian Games, we must invest in our school students today. We cannot expect medals if we continue to treat sports as a mere 'extra-curricular activity' (ECA) rather than a core part of the curriculum," he added.

Concluding his address, he requested the Ministry of Education to coordinate with the Ministry of Youth and Sports to draft a comprehensive framework that balances academics with physical training.