In a strategic move to foster sports diplomacy and support youth development, the Embassy of India in Kathmandu has initiated a one-month professional cricket training program for Nepal’s U-19 Cricketers. This initiative falls under the Ambassador’s Cricket Fellowship for Nepali Youth, which was launched in June 2025.
The program offers selected Nepali players an opportunity to train at a high-performance cricket facility in India, further solidifying the cricketing ties between India and Nepal.
Training Program Overview
- Program Name: Ambassador’s Cricket Fellowship
- Organized By: Embassy of India, Kathmandu
- Training Period: July 15 – August 14, 2025
- Training Venue: LB Shastri Cricket Shaala, Bhopal, India
- Selected Players: Naren Bhatta, Sahil Patel, Puja Mahato
- Launch Date: June 2025
- Facilitator: Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava
- Supporting Body: Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN)
- Objective: Skill development and bilateral cooperation through sports
The first cohort under this fellowship consists of three promising Nepal’s U-19 cricketers—Naren Bhatta, Sahil Patel, and Puja Mahato. These young talents have been selected to undergo an intensive, month-long training camp at the prestigious LB Shastri Cricket Shaala located in Bhopal, India. Their training will span from July 15 to August 14, 2025, offering a crucial development opportunity at a formative stage in their careers. This initiative not only reflects the Indian government’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations but also demonstrates a deep investment in the future of Nepal’s U-19 cricketers.
The Indian Embassy in a public statement highlighted the purpose of this endeavor: to provide world-class cricket training to Nepalese youth and help them reach their highest potential in the sport. According to the Embassy, the exposure to Indian professional facilities and coaching expertise will significantly enhance the technical, tactical, and physical abilities of the participating Nepal U-19 cricketers, preparing them for bigger stages in the international arena.
Before the departure of the players, Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava held a special interaction with the athletes in Kathmandu. The event was also graced by Chatur Bahadur Chand, the President of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN). Ambassador Srivastava expressed his heartfelt wishes to the young players, encouraging them to embrace the training opportunity with dedication and a positive mindset. He emphasized how such training programs are essential not just for sports development but also for building bridges between neighboring nations.
This initiative involving Nepal’s U-19 cricketers comes at a time when Nepalese cricket is undergoing a steady transformation, with increasing investments in youth development and international exposure. The program is seen as a landmark collaboration that goes beyond sports—it serves as a powerful symbol of friendship, youth empowerment, and mutual trust between India and Nepal.
The Embassy of India further noted that the Ambassador’s Cricket Fellowship is part of a broader diplomatic approach focused on cultural and educational exchange. By involving Nepal’s U-19 cricketers in cross-border training, both nations can benefit from shared knowledge and a deeper appreciation of each other’s sporting spirit. For Nepal, which has steadily made its mark on the international cricket scene, such initiatives serve as vital stepping stones toward long-term excellence.
Cricket analysts and fans in both countries have welcomed the training program, calling it a “milestone in youth cricket cooperation.” The support given to Nepal’s U-19 cricketers is expected to inspire other aspiring athletes across the region to strive for similar international opportunities. With cricket acting as a powerful unifier, the month-long training in India is not just about improving skills—it’s about fostering relationships and creating future sports ambassadors.
This collaboration also aligns with India’s broader vision of strengthening regional ties through sports, education, and youth-focused exchanges. The LB Shastri Cricket Shaala, known for its high-quality coaching staff and modern facilities, is well-positioned to deliver world-class training that will benefit the three cricketers on both personal and professional levels.
As the young talents from Nepal take to the nets and training fields of Bhopal, their journey will be closely followed by fans, coaches, and administrators in both countries. The expectation is that these three Nepal’s U-19 cricketers—Naren Bhatta, Sahil Patel, and Puja Mahato—will return home stronger, wiser, and more equipped to take Nepalese cricket to new heights.
FAQs
Q1: Who are the players selected for the training?
A: The players are Naren Bhatta, Sahil Patel, and Puja Mahato from Nepal’s U-19 squad.
Q2: Where is the training being conducted?
A: At LB Shastri Cricket Shaala in Bhopal, India, from July 15 to August 14, 2025.
Q3: What is the main goal of this initiative?
A: To enhance the skills of Nepal’s U-19 Cricketers and promote bilateral cooperation between India and Nepal through sports.
Q4: Who launched the program?
A: The Embassy of India in Kathmandu under the Ambassador’s Cricket Fellowship.
Q5: How does this benefit Nepal cricket?
A: It offers professional exposure, improves technical skills, and prepares young cricketers for international competition.