Can ‘Mission 2026’ finally deliver Nepal its first Asian Games gold?
Summary
Nepal heads into the Nagoya Asian Games chasing its first-ever gold medal, with its hopes pinned on karate, boxing, wushu, taekwondo and women’s kabaddi. The National Sports Council’s “Mission 2026” is being tested after years of uneven preparation, budget setbacks and a sharply reduced squad.
Key Points
- Nepal has never won an Asian Games gold and will try to end that drought in Nagoya after 18 appearances and 26 total medals.
- The National Sports Council launched “Mission 2026” after Hangzhou 2022, promising better training, nutrition and exposure for top athletes.
- Karate star Erika Gurung is Nepal’s best gold hope, while other medal chances include Sanu Maya Thing, Chandra Bahadur Thapa and the women’s kabaddi team.
- Budget shortfalls disrupted training camps, and Nepal’s squad has been reduced to 135 athletes across 21 sports under stricter selection criteria.
