National Sports Council Services

Detailed Service Catalogue of National Sports Council (Rakhep)

The National Sports Council (Rakhep) is not only a venue for organizing competitions. It functions as an administrative center of Nepal’s sports sector and a government service provider. Based on the National Sports Development Act, 2077 and prevailing regulations, Rakhep provides services to multiple stakeholders (athletes, associations, coaches, the general public, and media).

These services are classified below in a citizen’s charter format so service users can clearly understand where to go and what to do for each task.

Services for Sports Associations and Clubs

Around 200+ national sports associations operating in Nepal are Rakhep’s primary service users. Their legal status and operations depend on services administered through Rakhep.

1. Registration of New Associations

After a new sport enters Nepal, association registration is mandatory for its institutional development.

Service Unit: Sports Development Department / Association Coordination Section

Process:

• Letter of membership or recognition from the relevant international federation.

• Proposed constitution (in Rakhep’s format).

• Citizenship copies of ad-hoc committee office bearers.

• After approval by the constitution review committee, the Rakhep board or the member secretary provides approval.

Outcome: Official registration certificate is issued.

2. Annual Renewal

After the end of each fiscal year, associations must renew to maintain legal validity.

Required documents:

• Previous year’s audit report.

• Copy of AGM minutes and decisions.

• Annual progress report (which competitions were conducted).

• Tax clearance certificate.

Penalty: If renewal is not completed within the prescribed time (end of Ashoj or the specified date), legal provisions allow for fines or movement toward cancellation procedures.

3. Election Monitoring

When an association’s term (generally 4 years) ends and a new executive committee election is held, Rakhep’s presence is mandatory for legal validity.

Service: Rakhep assigns an “election representative” (observer).

Importance: Elections held without Rakhep’s representative may not receive legal recognition, and the association’s bank account may be frozen.

4. International Participation and Hosting Approval

No association may independently invite foreign teams to Nepal or send Nepali teams abroad without approval.

Approval requirement: Submit an application to Rakhep’s Sports Development Department and obtain a No Objection Letter. Based on this, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Immigration facilitate visa processes.

Direct Services for Athletes

Athletes are national assets. Rakhep provides the following services for their career development and facilities.

1. National Athlete ID Card

Eligible athletes: Athletes who have played in national-level competitions (National Games) or participated internationally.

Benefits: Treatment support at government hospitals, travel priority, and inclusion in official state records.

Process: Recommendation from the relevant sports association
→ Recommendation from the District Sports Development Committee
→ Rakhep Administration or Sports Department

2. Recommendation and Support Letters

Athletes often require official recommendations for various purposes.

Passport recommendation: Recommendation for the Department of Passports when a team travels abroad (for fast-track service).
Employment/departmental recruitment: Certification letter for athlete quota recruitment in the Army, Police, or other institutions.
College/university scholarships: Verification to claim sports quota in domestic or international colleges.

3. Cash Awards and Incentives

Process: For international medal winners (SAG, Asian Games, Olympics), Rakhep prepares the cash award proposal under the “Sports Awards and Honors Procedure” and forwards it to the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Monthly allowance: Management of monthly allowance distribution for Olympians and certain medal winners.

4. Medical Support and Insurance Facilitation

For national athletes seriously injured during play, Rakhep recommends financial support through the Players Welfare Fund. A limited clinic or physiotherapy unit service is also available within Rakhep to some extent.

Services for Coaches and Technical Officials

1. Appointment and Posting

Rakhep appoints coaches on permanent, contract, or wage-based arrangements. The Training and Coaching Department manages nationwide deputation across 77 districts, transfers, and performance appraisal.

2. Training and Refresher Courses

To advance from assistant coach to head coach, or to stay updated with modern sports methods, Rakhep supports special courses or provides recommendations for foreign training.

3. Licensing and Level Standardization

Under the new Act, procedural services have begun for evaluating coach qualifications, determining levels, and implementing a licensing system.

Infrastructure and Venue Services

The general public, schools, colleges, and associations can use Rakhep’s physical infrastructure.

1. Venue Booking

Facilities such as Dasharath Stadium (track/field), the covered hall (Tripureshwor), and Mulpani Cricket Ground can be used.

Purposes: Sports competitions, school annual sports meets, concerts (under limited conditions).

Process: Check date availability with Administration
→ Submit an application
→ Deposit the prescribed fee and security deposit in the bank
→ Obtain the permission letter

Note: During national team training periods, venues are not provided to the general public.

2. Swimming Pool and Gym Membership

Facilities at the International Sports Complex (Satdobato) and Tripureshwor include:

Swimming: The general public can use it with seasonal tickets or membership (fees apply).
Gym/sauna: Services can be accessed by paid membership at the fitness center.

3. Commercial Rentals

Shops around Tripureshwor or other stadium areas are rented out for commercial purposes as part of Rakhep’s regular revenue services. Public tenders are invited for this purpose.

Competition Services

1. National Games Management

For the National Games held every two years, Rakhep provides core services covering athlete selection through to allowances, transportation, jerseys/track suits, accommodation, and meals.

2. President Running Shield (School Level)

Rakhep sends budgets down to local levels, prepares technical guidelines (rules), and conducts the final competition at the center level. This is the largest service platform for student athletes.

Information, Communication, and Legal Services

1. Media Accreditation

To collect news for national and international competitions, Rakhep issues media passes (accreditation cards) to journalists. This service is handled by the publicity and dissemination section.

2. Right to Information (RTI)

Citizens can request copies of Rakhep’s budget, expenditures, association disputes, or decisions through the information officer using RTI.

3. Grievance Handling

Complaints related to unfair athlete selection, violence against women, or corruption-related activities can be registered at Rakhep. Rakhep has the responsibility to form an investigation committee and deliver justice.

4. Archive and Library Services

There is a sports library in Tripureshwor where old sports newspapers and historical materials can be studied (currently in the process of digitization).

Minimum Prerequisites for Accessing Services

Regardless of which service you seek, pay attention to the following:

Application: Address it to “Member Secretary” and clearly state the subject.
Registration: Do not go directly to an officer’s room with an unregistered application. First, register it at the “Registration and Dispatch Section” on the ground floor and obtain a token number. In government offices, an unregistered document has no standing.
Identification: Always carry your citizenship certificate or official ID.
Banking: Cash transactions are limited. For application fees or rental payments, a voucher showing deposit into Rakhep’s bank account is required.
Special tip: For any association- or athlete-related task, obtaining a recommendation from the relevant association first (for example, ANFA for football, CAN for cricket) makes the work around 70% faster at Rakhep.