Kathmandu, April 11 -- Nepal has unofficially switched into sporting mood as the mid-western region has begun hosting the National Games-the biggest sporting extravaganza which at the least will lay foundation for sports infrastructure at one part of the nation.

Five districts of Province 5-Banke, Bardiya, Kapivastu, Rupandehi and Dang-are jointly hosting the 35 sports disciplines of the Games involving approximately 10,000 individuals including 5211 athletes. Lalitpur (squash) and Pokhara (triathlon and paragliding) will host three events away from Province 5 due to the unavailability of infrastructure.

A total of 372 gold medals will be on offer for the athletes for whom National Games have also been the reason to stick to the sport. ...