Minister Pokharel and US diplomat discuss education and sports ties

Education and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokharel met with Megan Bouldin, the United States chargé d’affaires to Nepal, on Friday to explore avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation. The discussions held at the Ministry of Education and Sports in Kathmandu focused on long-term partnerships in the academic sector and the potential for "sports diplomacy" between the two nations.

According to Nagarik News, the meeting addressed the history of American support for Nepal's educational development, with Minister Pokharel specifically citing initiatives like the National Early Grade Reading Program and the National Early Grade Learning Program as vital to improving foundational education. Both parties expressed a desire to continue existing collaborations, including the Fulbright scholarship program, which Bouldin noted has been instrumental in allowing Nepali scholars to apply American-acquired expertise back home, as reported by Nepal News English and Clickmandu.

Looking toward the future, Minister Pokharel proposed prioritizing the exchange of students, university professors, and academic professionals to deepen institutional ties. Baahrakhari noted that the dialogue also covered the role of Nepali returnees who have participated in various US-sponsored exchange programs.

Sports diplomacy and the 2028 Olympics

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games. The two officials discussed how Nepal might leverage American expertise in sports management, athlete training, and coaching to prepare for the international event.

Clickmandu reported that the conversation centered on identifying practical ways to transfer American technical skills to Nepali athletes and trainers. Bouldin suggested that American experience in the sports sector could prove highly beneficial for Nepal’s development in this field. Minister Pokharel echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the potential for expanding collaborative efforts to enhance the professional capabilities of Nepali sports personnel.

Beyond the strategic discussions, the meeting included a humanitarian note. As reported by Nagarik News, Bouldin expressed condolences regarding the recent flooding in the Bhote Koshi region, reaffirming the United States' commitment to supporting Nepal during challenging times. The minister thanked the US for its ongoing development assistance, which he credited with playing a crucial role in Nepal's human resource development.