Nepal’s para table tennis players train on borrowed gear but dream of Asian Games medals
Summary
Nepal’s para table tennis players are training for the Asian Para Games with borrowed rackets, second-hand rubbers and self-funded travel, even as they chase medals for the country. Athletes and coaches say the sport has seen years of state neglect despite strong performances and growing talent.
Key Points
- Para table tennis players in Nepal are preparing for the 5th Asian Para Games using borrowed and second-hand gear because they cannot afford proper equipment.
- Athletes including Keshav Thapa, Sonika Dhakal, Digam Sing Chemjong and others say they have repeatedly self-funded their participation in international competitions.
- The government has allocated Rs3.5 million for Nepal’s Asian Para Games participation, but athletes say the amount is far short of what is needed.
- Coach Basanta Bharati says the squad can compete with the world’s best, while younger players like Nirmala Bhandari and Swikrit Neupane are also pushing for medals.
