In a significant move to resolve the ongoing disputes within the Nepal Olympic Committee (NOC), the government has formed a nine-member ad-hoc committee led by former NOC president and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) parliamentarian Dhruba Bahadur Pradhan. The committee was established following a joint meeting of the presidents, general secretaries, and officials of 23 Olympic-recognized sports federations.

According to a press release issued by the committee’s spokesperson, Samim Miyan Ansari, the ad-hoc committee aims to address the internal issues within the leadership-vacant NOC and advance Olympic activities in an institutionalized manner. The committee is tasked with ensuring Nepal’s active participation in international and national sports events while providing a sustainable solution to the ongoing crisis.

During a recent event to review his one-year tenure, Youth and Sports Minister Tej Bahadur Chaudhary declared the current NOC leadership under Jeevan Ram Shrestha as illegitimate and announced the formation of the ad-hoc committee. He noted that 22 out of 27 sports federations had submitted a written petition to the ministry, urging the formation of a new committee. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, emphasizing adherence to the country’s laws, directed the formation of the new committee and assured full support and facilitation for the process.

The current NOC leadership, headed by Jeevan Ram Shrestha, has been accused of conducting an unauthorized election to secure a third term as president, in violation of the NOC’s statute, as well as orders from the Supreme Court, High Court, and government directives. Shrestha is alleged to have manipulated the election process with the backing of Captain Hussain, General Director of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), to claim international recognition.

Further allegations against Shrestha include dividing sports federations into national and international factions and using controversial representatives to maintain control over the NOC. The government has declared his leadership illegitimate, locking the NOC’s central office, freezing its bank accounts, and imposing travel bans on its officials.

 While the formation of the ad-hoc committee is seen as a step toward strengthening Nepal’s presence in international sports, analysts have raised concerns about potential repercussions from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Some fear that government intervention in the NOC’s affairs could lead to sanctions, potentially jeopardizing Nepal’s participation in global sporting events.

The newly formed ad-hoc committee has already begun its work, issuing directives to implement immediate action plans. Led by Dhruba Bahadur Pradhan, who also serves as the president of the Nepal Gymnastics Association and is a former NOC president, the committee is expected to ensure Nepal’s participation in upcoming events, including the Asian Games in Japan in 2026. The committee’s detailed action plan and programs will soon be made public through a press conference.