Kathmandu: Nepal Olympic Committee (NOC) has voiced strong objection to calls for its dissolution, expressing serious concern after reports that two-thirds of national sports associations submitted a memorandum to the Minister for Youth and Sports demanding action against the committee led by president Jeevan Ram Shrestha.

On Thursday, officials from 22 sports associations handed over the memorandum to Sports Minister Teju Lal Chaudhary, urging the government to dissolve the newly elected NOC leadership.

In response, the NOC issued a press statement claiming that the majority of officials behind the memorandum represent associations that lack formal recognition.

“The NOC has taken serious note of the news reporting that two-thirds of associations submitted a memorandum to the Minister for Youth and Sports demanding the dissolution of the NOC led by president Jeevan Ram Shrestha and general secretary Rajiv Shrestha—both elected in as per the National Sports Development Act 2077 and recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC),” the statement said.

The NOC further dismissed the accusations as baseless and misleading.

“As per the National Sports Act and the Olympic Charter, only associations headed by presidents of national federations recognised by their respective international bodies qualify for NOC membership. Spreading false narratives about a so-called two-thirds majority seeking action is not only dishonest but also a betrayal of journalistic integrity,” the statement added. “The NOC strongly condemns such false allegations and expresses deep regret at the actions of those involved.”

Nepal Olympic Committee president Jeevan Ram Shrestha. 

The NOC also pointed out that its election is currently sub judice at the Patan High Court. “With the case under judicial review, any demand for action against the NOC amounts to interference in the judicial process, which is both condemnable and unacceptable,” it stated.

The government had earlier sealed the NOC headquarters, citing a violation of the court’s stay order. Acting on a directive from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Home Affairs deployed Nepal Police to secure the NOC office in Satdobato. The government has also barred NOC officials from traveling abroad, citing contempt of court—prompting officials to attend international events via India after restrictions were imposed at Nepal’s airports.

In early January, NOC’s General Assembly re-elected Nepal Ski Association president Jeevan Ram Shrestha as NOC president and formed a 19-member executive committee, with Rajiv Shrestha of the Nepal Rafting and Canoeing Association elected unopposed as general secretary.

Prior to the assembly, some associations including the Nepal Modern Pentathlon Association, Nepal Equestrian Association, Nepal Rugby Association, Nepal Skating and Skateboarding Association, and Nepal Baseball and Softball Association had filed a case at the court to halt the assembly over their exclusion from NOC membership. The court subsequently issued a stay order blocking the election. The NOC, however, proceeded, arguing that it had not formally received the court’s order at the time.

As a result of the legal dispute, both the National Sports Council (NSC) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports have declared the NOC elections invalid.

In an effort to resolve the crisis, a meeting moderated by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) was held in Kuwait between NOC officials and representatives of the disputing associations. The parties agreed that the NOC would immediately grant membership to all five associations, and in return, the associations would withdraw their legal petitions unconditionally.

The NOC later granted membership to the five associations two months ago, and all but the Nepal Equestrian Association have since withdrawn their cases.