Kathmandu: The nationally recognised Nepal Wushu Federation (NWF) on Thursday claimed that the internationally recognised Nepal Wushu Federation (INWF) was responsible for the uncertainty surrounding the participation of wushu players Deepak Hamal and Shiva Silwal in the upcoming Asia Cup Wushu Championship in China, scheduled for July 2–7.

Nabaraj Dhungana, the general secretary of the nationally recognised NWF, stated that Nepal was blacklisted by the International Wushu Federation after the INWF failed to settle expenses incurred during the third Taolu Wushu World Cup 2024, held in Yokohama, with the Japan Wushu Federation.

As a result, the International Wushu Federation declined to register Deepak and Shiva for the Asia Cup, citing the outstanding dues related to the Nepali team’s participation in Yokohama. The duo had qualified for the global event after competing in the International Wushu Invitation Tournament in Jiangyin, China.

“Our registrations will only be accepted if the outstanding amount is paid to the Japan Wushu Federation,” Deepak stated at a press conference on Wednesday. “Despite a commitment from the National Sports Council (NSC) to cover food and accomodation costs in Japan, Minister for Youth and Sports Teju Lal Chaudhary abruptly halted the reimbursement process without explanation,” said Hamal. 

The INWF, led by General Secretary Lakpa Lama, had taken the Nepali team to the Taolu Wushu World Cup in Yokohama. Athletes Deepak Hamal, Bijay Sinjali, Pasang Sherpa, Rajib Tamang, and Nima Gharti Magar represented Nepal in the event. Bijay Sinjali made history by securing a bronze medal for the country.

“The Japan Wushu Federation has informed us that unless the outstanding amount of $7,280 is paid, Nepal will be blacklisted from future international events,” said Dhungana. “The so-called INWF was declared illegal by the Patan High Court, and a newly formed ad hoc committee has since elected a new leadership in accordance with the country’s Sports Act,” he added.

“We would have covered the players’ expenses if we had taken them to Japan. However, we wrote a recommendation letter to the National Sports Council (NSC) to facilitate their participation. It was the NSC that covered their airfare to Japan,” said Dhungana.

“We still wish to register the players for the Asia Cup, but we do not have access to the official registration software. Only the INWF holds that access. If we had it, we would have cleared the dues using our internal funds,” he concluded.