Kathmandu July 2 : Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said the government had accorded ‘special’ priorities to the art, literature and sports sector, as initiatives had according to him been taken to economically transform the country through it.

The PM was inaugurating the ‘Third Prakash Dahal Memorial National Open Women and Men’s Boxing Tournament’ here today. Referring to a success achieved nationally and internationally lately in cricket, PM Dahal stressed the need for making Nepali boxing known globally.

Development of sports is connected with the country’s prosperity and the future of Nepali youths, he argued. “This time, I have given much importance to art, literature and sports. Apart from developing youths’ physical and mental status, sports play an important role in having social unity and harmony, and promoting economic development and tourism,” he said.

The four-day tournament was co-organised by Budhanilkantha Municipality, the National Sports Council, and the Nepal Boxing Association.