India’s Embassy Uses Cricket to Boost Youth Sports in Nepal

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu organised its second diplomatic cricket tournament between June 26 and 28, drawing participants from diplomatic circles, Nepal’s government ministries, the press, veteran cricketers and the Indian expatriate community. A total of eight teams took part, including representatives from the Embassy, the Foreign Ministry, the diplomatic community in Kathmandu, Nepali media outlets, and Indian business delegations.

After intense competition, the tournament concluded with a final match on June 28 featuring the Embassy’s team against the Indian diaspora side. Ambassador Navin Shrivastava, together with a partner official, handed out trophies to the champions and honoured the best performers of the event.

The opening ceremony on June 26 was graced by the ambassador, the Joint Secretary of the South Asia Division of Nepal’s Foreign Ministry, and senior diplomatic officials. A celebration on June 29 recognised the tournament’s success and underscored the role of cricket in diplomatic outreach.

During the closing reception, Ambassador Shrivastava gave professional cricket kits to three promising Nepali Under‑19 women players—Sana Praveen, Karishma Gurung and Saibtri Dhami—wishing them success in the upcoming ICC Under‑19 Women’s T20 World Cup, which Nepal will co‑host with Bangladesh.