National Sports Council Recalls CAN Member Gunjan Shah Thakuri Less Than a Month After Appointment

Kathmandu, October 15, 2026: The National Sports Council (NSC) has recalled Gunjan Shah Thakuri from her membership in the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), just 9 days after appointing her to the position.

The decision was made at the Member Secretary level on Wednesday.

Thakuri had been nominated to CAN membership on September 1 under the CAN Statute 2055.

Appointment Had Drawn Public Questions

Thakuri’s appointment had drawn public criticism, particularly over her reported political links and questions about her experience in cricket or sports management.

She has been associated with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and previously worked as the personal secretary to then Industry Minister Gauri Kumari Yadav.

However, these were concerns raised by critics following her appointment and should not be interpreted as an official finding that nepotism or political interference had occurred.

The NSC has now recalled her from the position, less than a month after the appointment.

Four Other Sports Officials Also Recalled

The decision was not limited to Thakuri. The NSC also decided to recall four other representatives associated with different sports bodies.

Those recalled are Binod Shrestha of the Nepal Swimming Association, Krishna Hari Seju of the Nepal Shooting Association, Shambhu Karki of the Badminton Association and Ganesh Prasad Mainali of the Cycling Federation.

The decision therefore affects representatives across five different sports organizations, including cricket, swimming, shooting, badminton and cycling.