Kathmandu – On the occasion of the Chinese New Year 2026, Minister for Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, Shraddha Shrestha, emphasized the historically friendly relationship between Nepal and China, calling for strengthening sports and culture as diplomatic bridges at the grassroots level.
In her address as the chief guest at the event, Minister Shrestha expressed her gratitude to the Chinese Embassy in Nepal and the National Sports Council for their meaningful initiative, noting that sports has the power to transcend language, geography, and politics, serving as an effective medium to build friendship, cooperation, and trust.
Minister Shrestha highlighted that the relationship between Nepal and China is based on the five principles of peaceful coexistence, respect for sovereignty, and territorial integrity, with bilateral ties being strengthened through development, infrastructure, education, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
She also expressed appreciation for the assistance Nepal has received from China, particularly in infrastructure development and post-2015 earthquake humanitarian aid and reconstruction. Furthermore, she encouraged Chinese tourists to visit Nepal, highlighting the significance of Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, and the iconic Mount Everest in boosting Nepal’s tourism and economic development.
Speaking about the importance of the Chinese New Year, Minister Shrestha described it as a symbol of renewal, goodwill, tolerance, and hope. She also noted the growing popularity of cultural events like the Lantern Festival and Dragon Boat Festival in Nepal in recent years, which have played a significant role in bringing the two countries’ communities closer together.
Minister Shrestha underscored the importance of cultural and sports diplomacy as an effective means of strengthening people-to-people relations. She expressed her desire to expand joint sports programs and exchange initiatives that include youth, women athletes, children, and senior citizens.
She further expressed hope that future cooperation between Nepal and China would include joint competitions, grassroots-level sports programs, exchanges of women athletes, and inclusive initiatives. Minister Shrestha concluded by wishing both Nepalese and Chinese people good health, happiness, and prosperity in the new year, and also called for collective support to ensure the success of Nepal’s upcoming national elections. She urged all stakeholders to contribute towards strengthening the democratic process and called for responsible participation from citizens, political parties, civil society, and youth in ensuring fair, inclusive, and peaceful elections.
The event was also attended by Charge d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, Zhou Pan, Permanent Secretary of Nepal’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, Loknath Paudel, Member Secretary of the National Sports Council, Ram Charitra Mehta, ANFA General Secretary Kiran Rai, and Associate Director of the Yunnan University Sports Institute, Chen-Hen Ching.
Organized jointly by the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), the Faculty of Physical Education at Yunnan University, and the Nepal Overseas Chinese Association, in coordination with the Chinese Embassy in Nepal and the National Sports Council, the event featured a friendly football match between Nepal’s U-20 Women’s National Team and China’s Yunnan Provincial Youth Women’s Team. Nepal’s U-20 women’s team won the match 3-1. Prior to the game, cultural performances showcasing the diverse cultures of Nepal and China were presented, including a Chinese Dragon Dance and Nepalese Panche Baja performance.
