In the absence of the Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli for his Deteriorating health, Finance Minister, Dr. Yuvaraj Khatiwada addressed the Special program Organized by the National Sports Council, to encourage the Nepali players, coaches and managers to participate in the 13^th South Asian Games.

The program was designed to be addressed by the Prime Minister Oli, earlier, but due to his immediate operation of appendicitis, Minister Khatiwada took up the responsibilities.

Addressing the program at Pragya Bhawan this morning, Minister Khatiwada only highlighted to increase the awards of the medal holders and to construct Covered Hall for Volleyball however, the percentage of increment was not announced.

Earlier, the government had provided Cash of 3 lakhs, 2 lakhs and 1 lakhs to the medalists of Gold, silver and Bronze respectively. Likewise, Minister Khatiwada also mentioned, “we are looking after the proper location for the Covered hall of Volleyball.” The government declared volleyball as the national game of Nepal, three years ago. And, its popularity has increased after the Nepali women’s team recently won the title of AVC Central Zone women’s volleyball in Bangladesh on November 9. The program also awarded champions of the Central Zone title.