Floodlights being installed at Mechi Stadium for nighttime sports activities

In Bhadrapur, the installation of floodlights at the historic Mechi Stadium is underway to facilitate nighttime sports activities. This initiative gained momentum after the Koshi Province government allocated a budget of Rs 35 million for the fiscal year 2082/83. Known as the oldest sports ground in Jhapa, Mechi Stadium has hosted international football tournaments and the annual district-level President’s Running Shield competition since 2079.

A tripartite agreement was signed to implement the floodlight installation project, involving the Koshi Province’s Ministry of Water Supply, Irrigation, and Energy, Bhadrapur Municipality, and the Jhapa District Sports Development Committee. The agreement was signed by Province Secretary Poushkar Prasad Pokharel on behalf of the ministry, Mayor Ganesh Pokharel for Bhadrapur Municipality, and Office Chief Bishnu Kumar Nembang for the Sports Development Committee.

Mayor Ganesh Pokharel stated that the floodlight installation is part of the effort to modernize and equip Mechi Stadium with advanced technology, given its constant use for sports activities. “The process of installing floodlights has begun to modernize and technologically equip Mechi Stadium, which has been busy with sports activities,” said Mayor Pokharel. “Once completed, it will facilitate the organization of nighttime sports competitions in Bhadrapur.”

Recently, Bhadrapur has been hosting numerous international-level football and cricket tournaments, including the popular ‘Bhadrapur Gold Cup’ and ‘Women’s Gold Cup’ football competitions. According to the tripartite agreement, the province government will provide the budget, while the Sports Development Committee will provide the land. Bhadrapur Municipality will procure an electricity meter from the Nepal Electricity Authority and cover the electricity costs for the floodlight system.

Once the floodlight installation is fully completed, it will be formally handed over to the Jhapa District Sports Development Committee, as stated in the agreement.