Indian Embassy organises 2nd Ambassador's Cricket Tournament in Kathmandu
Kathmandu, June 30
The Embassy of India in Kathmandu has successfully organised the second edition of the Indian Ambassador's Cricket Tournament at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground and Mulpani Cricket Stadium in Kathmandu.
The tournament reflects India's commitment to strengthening people-to-people ties with Nepal through sports and supporting the development of young sporting talent in the country, according to a press release by the Embassy of India.
The tournament from June 26 to 28 brought together eight teams representing the Embassy of India, Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the diplomatic community in Kathmandu, Nepali media, former Nepali cricketers, Government of Nepal officials, corporate organisations, and the Indian diaspora in Nepal (ICAN), it said.
The opening ceremony was held on June 26 in the presence of the Ambassador of India to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava; Joint Secretary (South Asia Division), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal, Gahendra Rajbhandari; and other senior diplomatic representatives.
After three days of spirited and competitive matches, the tournament concluded with an exciting final on June 28 between the Embassy of India and ICAN. Following the match, the Ambassador Naveen Srivastava and representatives from organising partners presented trophies and awards to the winning team and outstanding performers, accoridng to the press release by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu.
A reception was held on June 29 to celebrate the success of the tournament. The Ambassador of India to Nepal attended the event along with other dignitaries. The ambassador thanked the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) and other organising partners for their support for the tournament.
The Ambassador also presented professional-grade cricket kits to three promising Nepali women U - 19 cricketers, Sana Praveen, Krishma Gurung and Sabitri Dhami, and wished them success in the ICC U-19 Women's T20 World Cup, scheduled next year.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Nice gesture but honestly, with all the bilateral issues between India and Nepal lately, tournaments like these feel like a band-aid on a deeper wound. Still, happy to see Nepali cricket getting support - our neighbors have immense talent that needs nurturing.
Cricket diplomacy at its finest! 🇮🇳🤝🇳🇵 The fact that they had teams from the Indian Embassy, Nepali Foreign Ministry, media, and former cricketers shows real inclusivity. And presenting professional kits to those U-19 girls? That's not just a photo op - that's actual investment in grassroots development. Great work Ambassador Srivastava!
I wish more such cultural exchanges happened between India and its neighbors. Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka - we share so much heritage, yet tensions often dominate news. Cricket tournaments, film festivals, food exchanges... these people-to-people connections matter. The U-19 women cricketers getting gear is touching - it shows India sees Nepal's potential. More of this please!
As an American, I find this fascinating. Cricket is such a niche sport back home but clearly a massive unifier here. The tournament structure - with diplomats, media, retired players, and diaspora teams - is creative diplomacy. Also, supporting young women in sports is universally good. Well played, India.
Good initiative but why is the Indian Embassy organizing this in Nepal? Shouldn't local bodies lead? Also, given India's image in Nepal sometimes being seen as overbearing, these events can feel a bit patronizing if not done carefully. Hope
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