Karnali Province Stadium, located in Birendranagar, Surkhet, is the principal sports facility of Karnali Province, the least developed yet rapidly transforming province in Nepal. The stadium stands as a symbol of progress and opportunity in a region long underserved in terms of sports infrastructure. As part of Nepal’s decentralized development efforts, this stadium plays a key role in nurturing local athletes, hosting provincial-level tournaments, and encouraging youth participation in sports.

Overview

• Name: Karnali Province Stadium (also known as Surkhet Stadium)

• Location: Birendranagar, Surkhet District, Karnali Province, Nepal

• Type: Multi-purpose sports stadium

• Ownership: Government of Nepal, managed through the Karnali Province Sports Development Council

• Main Uses: Football, athletics, volleyball, and multi-sport events

• Capacity: Estimated 5,000 to 10,000 (subject to ongoing development)

Strategic Importance

Karnali Province is historically one of the least connected and resourced areas in Nepal. The establishment of a functioning stadium in its capital, Surkhet, has marked a turning point by:

• Serving as a regional sports hub

• Promoting youth involvement in sports

• Hosting inter-district and provincial championships

• Supporting social inclusion and empowerment through athletics

The stadium is also part of the federal effort to decentralize sports infrastructure, ensuring that every province has the tools to build its own sports identity.

Stadium Facilities

While modest in scale compared to Kathmandu’s Dasarath Rangasala, Karnali Province Stadium is gradually being developed into a functional, community-centered sports venue.

Existing Features:

• Football field (natural grass or hybrid surface)

• Open-air athletic track

• Basic bleachers and stands for spectators

• Temporary tents and booths for event hosting

• Perimeter fencing for security and crowd control

Planned/Proposed Upgrades:

• Synthetic athletic track

• Dedicated volleyball and basketball courts

• Modern changing rooms and restrooms

• Lighting systems for evening matches

• Administrative building for sports governance

Hosted Events

Karnali Province Stadium has begun to host a variety of local and regional sports events that highlight emerging talent:

• Karnali Provincial Games

• Inter-District Football Tournaments

• School and College-Level Athletics Meets

• Community-Level Volleyball and Kabaddi Competitions

These events are vital for identifying and grooming athletes who can go on to represent Karnali in national games.

Role in Youth and Athlete Development

The stadium plays a crucial role in:

• Encouraging school participation in sports

• Providing a safe and structured space for daily practice

• Facilitating provincial team selection for events like the National Games

• Supporting underrepresented groups, including girls and indigenous communities

Local coaches and physical education instructors often use the stadium as a base for informal training camps and sports clinics.

Challenges and Opportunities

Current Challenges:

• Limited infrastructure and funding

• Lack of permanent facilities (offices, gym, lighting)

• Weather disruption due to open-air nature

• Shortage of certified coaching staff

Growth Opportunities:

• Federal and provincial interest in expanding sports tourism

• Potential to become a regional training center for mid-western Nepal

• Partnerships with NGOs and sports federations for infrastructure support

• Opportunity to host inter-province championships

Location and Accessibility

• City: Birendranagar, the administrative capital of Karnali Province

• Accessibility: Reached via the Surkhet Highway, connected to Nepalgunj and Dailekh

• Nearby Amenities: Hotels, colleges, government buildings, and Surkhet Airport

The location in central Surkhet ensures access for athletes from remote areas like Jumla, Kalikot, Mugu, and Dailekh.

 

Trivia and Fun Facts

• Karnali Province Stadium was one of the newest venues added to the provincial sports map after federal restructuring in 2015.

• During major events, youths from up to 10 districts of Karnali converge here to compete, many traveling for hours on foot or by bus.

• The stadium is frequently used by local football clubs and government-backed youth campaigns.

Conclusion

Karnali Province Stadium – Surkhet is more than just a sports venue—it’s a beacon of possibility in a region where infrastructure is still developing. By offering a structured space for games, talent development, and community pride, the stadium is helping transform Karnali Province through sports. With ongoing upgrades and growing provincial commitment, it is poised to become a regional hub for competitive and community athletics in western Nepal.