‘Champions 36 – grassroots to glory’ campaign launched to build Nepal’s future T20 world cup team

Dhangadhi: The ‘Champions 36 – Grassroots to Glory’ campaign has been launched in Dhangadhi with the long-term goal of making Nepal a T20 World Cup champion by 2036. The initiative, spearheaded by Go Dreamers, aims to identify and develop young players capable of competing at the international level.

In the first phase, a 10-year strategic partnership was announced with Aishwarya Vidya Niketan. School Principal Sanjay Pant and Go Dreamers President Subash Shahi formally launched the campaign by signing the agreement.

President Shahi stated that the campaign focuses on nurturing talented cricketers from the grassroots level, with plans to expand the initiative nationwide. The program coincides with the completion of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the FAPLA International Cricket Stadium and Sports Village in Dhangadhi, where construction is already underway, linking player development with infrastructure growth.

Go Dreamers, which has been active in sports development across Sudurpaschim Province, owns the Dhangadhi FC Club under the Nepal Super League and organizes the prestigious Arjun Trophy. The organization has previously run grassroots cricket programs in Phulbari and Jugeda in collaboration with the Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City.

Expressing support for the initiative, former mayor and school president Nirp Bahadur Wad called on stakeholders, parents, coaches, and players to contribute to the success of the campaign, noting that it has the potential to become a source of national pride. School Principal Pant emphasized that the Far West Province is a fertile ground for cricket and that the campaign will highlight the region’s enthusiasm for the sport while sowing the seeds for a 10-year World Cup dream.

Under the campaign, talent identification will begin at school and community levels through trials, inter-school competitions, and special selection programs. Selected players will receive systematic and professional training from certified coaches and experienced national and international players.

The training will prioritize technical skills, game strategy, fitness, mental resilience, pressure management, discipline, teamwork, and leadership. Players will also benefit from a modern training system, performance analysis, and a phased development model.

To provide match experience, participants will compete in domestic competitions and participate in training and friendly matches at prestigious academies and tournaments in India. Organizers also plan to arrange international training camps and tours as required to ensure comprehensive player development.