Minister Pokharel and US diplomat discuss education and sports ties

Education and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokharel and Megan Bouldin, the United States chargé d’affaires to Nepal, met in Kathmandu on Friday to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in education and sports. The dialogue focused on continuing existing academic partnerships, such as the Fulbright scholarship program and foundational education initiatives like the National Early Grade Reading Program. Minister Pokharel proposed expanding these ties by prioritizing the exchange of students, professors, and academic professionals between the two nations.

The officials also explored using sports diplomacy to prepare Nepali athletes for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games. Discussions centered on leveraging American expertise in sports management, coaching, and athlete training to enhance the professional capabilities of Nepali sports personnel. Additionally, Bouldin offered condolences regarding the recent flooding in the Bhote Koshi region, while Minister Pokharel acknowledged the importance of ongoing American development assistance in supporting Nepal’s human resource development.