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Traditionally an ordinary form of entertainment, sports has become an intricate system entangled with politics, society, globalization, and technology. They serve as a symbol of our society's excellence and promote both domestic as well as international integration. Sports have been used by rulers throughout history for a variety of objectives, such as improving physical health, recreational activities, and strategic goals. 

Athletes competing in sporting competitions must adhere to a set of regulations regardless of the country of origin, culture, race, social status, or political beliefs. Sports and nationalism frequently go hand in hand, acting as venues for international competitions. Hitler’s promotion of Aryan Nationalism during the 1936 Berlin Olympics serves as an example of how the Olympics, the largest international sports festival, have been utilized strategically. The Olympics have also been impacted by boycotts and political unrest, such as the US boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics and the Soviet Union's subsequent boycott of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. 

South Africa was excluded from the 1964 Tokyo Olympics due to apartheid, and a global treaty against apartheid in sports was eventually ratified. As seen by the 1970 ‘Soccer War'’ between Honduras and El Salvador during World Cup qualification matches, sports have sometimes exacerbated hostilities. The 1972 Olympic men's basketball championship game between the USSR and the USA sparked protests and controversies due to the referee's decision, and the US players all decided to refuse their silver medals. Additionally, some sports people use their position in the sport to gain political influence and power. On 18 Aug 2018, cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan was sworn in as the 22nd Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Idi Amin, the 1971–1979 president of Uganda, was the light heavyweight boxing champion of that nation. Football legend Pele was Brazil’s first Minister for Sports, holding the position from 1995 until 1998.

The collision

It is essential to comprehend the concepts ‘politics’ and ‘sports’ separately before examining their intricate relationship. Politics entails formalized processes to settle disputes and advance shared objectives through the pursuit of power. Sports are physical pursuits that emphasize fitness, wellbeing, camaraderie, and competitiveness. 

The Olympics and the FIFA World Cup are significant athletic events that provide a stage for diplomatic goals. Sports have mirrored and been inspired by political and social movements throughout history, including those for women’s rights, racial rights, and environmental activism. General Pervez Musharraf traveled to India for a cricket match in 2005. The relationship between politics and sports is demonstrated by incidents like Mesut Ozil’s withdrawal from football in 2018 due to racism, football players’ protests against racism and police violence following the grisly death of George Floyd in 2020, and a ban on political slogans on player equipment. 

Politics and athletics are best merged when athletes take political positions. China withdrew from the 1960 Summer Olympics in 1958 because it opposed US desires, forcing Taiwan to compete under a new name

Athletes have used their platforms to express opinions on politics, and politicians and other influential people have exploited sports for political ends. Notably, Muhammad Ali’s unwillingness to serve in the Vietnam War for the US Army led to a boxing ban. A cricket pitch was dug up in New Delhi by Hindu Militants in 1999 to oppose a Pakistani team's visit, and historical incidents like the Munich Olympics terrorist attack in 1972, in which 11 members of the Israeli Olympic Team were kidnapped and killed by Palestinian terrorist group Black September, indicate the possibility for rivalry and political tensions.

Sports and politics regularly converge, sometimes bringing governments together and other times igniting retaliation. Politics and athletics are best merged when athletes take political positions. China withdrew from the 1960 Summer Olympics in 1958 because it opposed US desires, forcing Taiwan to compete under a new name. Taiwanese athletes marched in protest while carrying a placard that said, ‘UNDER PROTEST’. Politicians often make use of sports to bring people together, as shown at the 1995 Rugby World Cup presentation by President Mandela to the captain of South Africa. Athletes have also been punished for their political remarks. Tommie Smith and John Carlos were fined for raising their fists during the US national anthem before the 1968 Olympics. 

Athletes may also affiliate with political parties, as seen by Andry Shevchenko of Ukraine joining Ukraine-Forward following his retirement from football in 2012 and Gautam Gambhir of India joining the BJP in 2019. Politicians often serve as the head of sports organizations, as evidenced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s tenure as president of the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) before his resignation in June 2019. The question of whether athletes should get involved in politics comes up. Through a careful examination of these occurrences, it becomes clear how sports and politics are intertwined. 

Drawing a line

It is frequently said that politics should not be tolerated in sports. Since political culture, beliefs, activists, leaders, and organizations are all engaged directly or indirectly, it is not feasible to completely separate politics from sports. Athletes will keep speaking out against injustice, racism, and prejudice in society. Recent decades have seen sports competitions turn into battlegrounds, as exemplified by the Dinamo Zagreb-Red Star Belgrade Riot of May 1990, where an infamous football riot broke out between the fans of Dinamo Zagreb and Red Star Belgrade, and the attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore in March 2009. 

Sports are adversely affected and perform poorly when politics gets involved. Major sporting events have been affected by political conflicts, such as the cancellation of the Olympic Games during World Wars I and II and the postponement of the SAF Games in 2001 and 2002 due to 9/11 attacks and tensions between India and Pakistan over Kashmir. The commercialisation of sports has benefits as well as drawbacks, including the generation of revenue, improvement in the players’ standards of living, and scandals and instances of match-fixing. FIFA's revenue peaked in the FIFA World Cup 2022, held in Qatar, at $6,314m, making it the most profitable tournament in the association’s history. 

On 20 Jan 2021, three Indonesian players were permanently barred from all badminton-related activities by the Badminton World Federation (BWF), following their conviction for crimes involving match-fixing, match manipulation, and betting. Politics and sports exist together, and it is unrealistic to separate them based on all the facts and events specified above. However, we may reduce political influence by implementing certain excellent sports governance practices. Conditions that forbid those with political backgrounds from obtaining roles in sporting organizations ought to be upheld. A competent athlete should oversee sports administration and fix systemic inadequacies. A skilled athlete should oversee sports administration and solve systemic gaps. 

Sports events and fields rely substantially on technology, such as the instant replay system used to broadcast games and assist referees in making decisions. During the selection process, new devices may be utilized to monitor athletes' performance across a range of sports and assist in developing coaching tactics and training programs. Restricting corruption, criminality, and cheating in sports is a must to spruce up sports and transform the sports sector into an exemplary system.

In a nutshell, sports are used as diplomatic instruments to advance nationalism, create international ties, and achieve political clout. Sports are used by both totalitarian and democratic regimes to accomplish their own agendas. It enables us to develop ethical values and emphasize the worth of social behavior. Globalization and commercialization may both be facilitated through sports. The combination of politics and sports is evident in numerous cases, highlighting the inseparability of the two.

The legal system in Nepal, a country known for its rich cultural diversity and magnificent natural beauty, is firmly based on the ideals of justice and fairness. The Nepali judicial gnome is a distinctive figure that sticks out among the Himalayan peaks as a representation of judicial integrity and fortitude. This gnome, which stands in for the judiciary, is essential to maintaining the rule of law and making sure that everyone in Nepal receives justice. We shall examine the importance and characteristics of the Nepali judicial institution in this article, offering light on its part in preserving the nation’s democracy. The Nepali judicial gnome is a potent symbol of the independence of the judiciary in Nepal. It stands for the judiciary's capacity to render fair judgments without outside interference. The judiciary must be independent in order to serve as a check on the other arms of government and maintain the rule of law through a system of checks and balances. Fairness and impartiality The judicial gnome’s dedication to fairness and impartiality is its most noteworthy quality. It serves as a continual reminder that justice must be impartial and administered without bias or prejudice. The gnome stands for the notion that everyone is treated equally under the law, regardless of their social standing, financial means, or political clout. Guardian of the Constitution The judicial gnome is seen as the protector of the Constitution in Nepal. It guarantees that all laws are in accordance with the highest law of the state and maintains the fundamental rights and liberties guaranteed by the constitution. The gnome upholds the democratic values and principles upon which Nepal’s government is based by accurately interpreting and implementing constitutional legislation. Human rights defender Nepal has made considerable progress in defending human rights, and the judicial gnome is essential to this effort. It protects and upholds each person's rights and freedoms in its capacity as a guardian of human rights. The gnome serves as a visual reminder of the value of justice, equality, and human dignity for all people. Promoter of access to justice The Nepali legal gnome serves as a representation of universal access to justice. It emphasizes the value of having a strong and open justice system that is accessible to everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status. The gnome supports the supply of legal assistance, the removal of procedural hurdles, and the development of other dispute resolution procedures by living up to this concept. Maintaining judicial integrity The Nepali judicial gnome reflects the crucial quality of integrity, which is a cornerstone of the judiciary. It serves as a reminder of the ethical obligations and responsibilities of judges, attorneys, and court workers. The gnome acts as a continual reminder that, in order to build public faith in the legal system, justice must not only be done, but also be seen to be done. The Nepali judicial gnome stands as a resilient symbol of justice, upholding the rule of law, and safeguarding the democratic values of Nepal. Its presence serves as a constant reminder that the judiciary is an independent and impartial branch of the government, ensuring justice for all citizens and upholding the principles of fairness, equality, and human rights. In a country with a rich cultural heritage, the judicial gnome has become an integral part of Nepal’s legal landscape, representing the resilience and unwavering commitment of the judiciary to protecting the rights and freedoms of its people. The author is a practicing lawyer  

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police has reopened the file of Lalita Niwas land grab scam. This has renewed hopes that those responsible for the crime will be brought to justice and the government property will be rightfully restored. The incident involves individuals in the position of power and influence transferring the ownership of government land through deceitful means. As the coordinator of the committee formed to study the Lalita Niwas land grab case, I had the opportunity to delve into the details of the incident. As the investigation progressed, it became apparent that the government land had been systematically divided and distributed among individuals as if it were a gift. Certain portions of the land were sold off, while others were registered under the names of individuals who were involved in orchestrating this fraudulent scheme. It is disheartening to witness such a flagrant act committed by individuals who have lost all moral consciousness in their insatiable greed for money. The CIB has diligently carried out an extensive investigation into the case. The findings reveal that out of the total 299 ropanis of land, 14 ropanis and 11 anas of land still remain under the name of the previous owner, Subarna Shamsher. The Nepal government had lawfully acquired 284 ropanis of land from him and compensated him accordingly. All government employees, intermediaries, and any other individuals involved in the unlawful transfer of this land into private ownership must face the consequences of their actions and be held accountable before the court of law. The CIB has unearthed significant evidence in the Lalita Niwas land grab case, indicating that there may be involvement of individuals associated with political parties and their leaders. This has no doubt raised concerns about potential pressure on the police and the court to influence the investigation. Some even suspect that the case could shake the government.But it is crucial for the government to demonstrate unwavering commitment in solving the case and punish the guilty individuals. Immunity should not be granted to those who commit crimes based on their political affiliations. The investigation must proceed impartially and reach a conclusive outcome. Anyone found guilty of illegal acts must face appropriate punishment. I believe the resumption of the investigation, which was previously halted due to political pressure, will be concluded this time. For this, it is essential for the police to be allowed to carry out their work without interference. Similarly, the government attorney's office should operate independently, free from any external pressure or temptation. The investigation reports of both the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) and the CIB should be thoroughly examined, discussed, and debated in court. It is evident that the individuals involved in this case knowingly embezzled government land by orchestrating a well-planned scheme to register it under the name of a private individual in exchange for money. Such shameless acts should be condemned, and those involved should never be granted immunity. We kept the matter confidential during the investigation as it provided a conducive environment without undue pressure. Police need to be supported in their efforts to bring this matter to a conclusive resolution. Placing trust in the court system is also essential. Similar to the fake refugee case, this matter must be thoroughly examined in court. Following the court order to send individuals arrested by CIB on a seven-day remand, the case has now entered the court.  Some positive results can be expected. The author is former secretary who was also the coordinator of a government team that studied the Lalita Niwas land grab scam  

If you’ve ever heard an elderly speak of his heydays, you must have heard him say, “In our youth, diseases and illnesses weren’t so common. We ate what we grew in our farms, and walked and worked day and night. It isn’t like today when all you get is packaged food, and people do not have to move an inch. And you wonder why your generation is so unhealthy!” Well, this begs us to consider the question, why are we thought of as an unhealthy generation? Does that have to do with eating or lack of eating food in season? Eating fruits and vegetables that are in season has several benefits. Some of the main advantages of eating food in season is that seasonal produce is fresher, tastes better, and contains more nutrients. This is because seasonal produce is usually harvested at its peak and doesn’t need to be transported long distances. Long distance transportation can cause food to lose its flavor and nutrients. Seasonal fruits, grains, and vegetables were sole sources of sustenance of our forefathers when transportation was difficult and agriculture wasn’t as advanced as it is today. Today, with globalization, produce can come from far-flung places. Technology has advanced so much that foods are grown in labs, greenhouses and through chemical manipulation. We get fruits such as apples, grapes and oranges all year round when they are mostly winter fruits and were traditionally found in the winter season. Cucumbers and tomatoes which used to grow in summers are found year-round too. In various cuisines around the world, seasonal fruits and vegetables are consumed in season. There are various dishes that adapt to the ingredients available in the pantry at any given time. For example, the seasonal food in Korea was based on the ingredients available in the natural environment. In summer, vegetables and grains such as green beans, cucumbers, carrots, radish, lettuces, eggplant, rice etc. were eaten along with fruits such as lemon, watermelon, plum, grapes, apricots, mulberries, nectarines. In autumn, produce used included cabbages, turnips, cauliflower, celery, millet, wheat, barley, parsnip, onions, pulses, etc. Drinks included distillation of aromatic herbs. Similarly, in Nepal, in winters, hearty soups such as kwati (nine bean soup), bodi tama (black eyed peas and bamboo shoot curry), as well as yams, sweet potatoes, turnips, radishes, spinach are eaten. In summers, fruits such as mangoes, litchis, guava and pineapple are available. Nepal is still an agrarian society with vast swathes of land being used for agriculture. Farmers have recently started adding chemicals and genetically modified seeds to enhance crop production. While this has increased efficiency in farming and this is a step to agro-development, it also takes away from the fact that food isn’t just local and seasonal anymore. The classic question of efficient production versus niche product comes to the picture. The other side of it is that produce produced in Nepal has to compete with cheaper vegetables and fruits that are brought from neighboring countries. In such a competitive climate, can we blame our farmers for effective albeit chemically enhanced farming? When fruits and vegetables are picked before they are ripe, they don’t have the chance to develop their full range of nutrients, flavor and taste. Seasonal produce, on the other hand, is allowed to ripen naturally in the sun which means that it has had more time to develop its full range of nutrients, antioxidants, and phyto-nutrients. These nutrients are essential for maintaining good health and preventing diseases. Some plants need high temperatures to bear fruits and flowers such as watermelon and cucumber whereas carrots grow in cold temperatures due to which it’s mostly available in winter. This is why most of the fruits and flowers are seasonal. They require different temperatures, soil quality and water availability to grow. Locally produced fruits and vegetables are more nutrient dense. Along with that, instead of buying the same boring vegetables you always pick out at the grocers, buying local seasonal fruits and vegetables can be exciting for its variety. Apart from that, buying locally grown fresh produce can also be cheaper. This is because additional cost of transportation isn’t included. The food made is also more flavorful, fragrant, and delicious. Seasonal foods are more flavorful. You must have noticed that when we eat mustard greens (raayo ko saag) in winter, the flavor is different. This is because spinach is fresh and grown locally. In addition to being more nutritious, seasonal produce is also more environmentally friendly. I find that to be important for me personally. When produce is transported long distances, it requires more energy and resources to keep it fresh which can have a negative impact on the environment.  There was a debate on social media that veganism, although great for the environment, isn’t environment friendly as transporting avocados, nuts and other vegan friendly produce requires air travel which greatly increases the carbon footprint of these produce. So, the answer is eating seasonal produce that is grown locally. This can help reduce the carbon footprint of our food and also support local farmers. All in all, eating seasonal fruits and vegetables is a great way to ensure that you are getting the freshest, most nutritious produce while also supporting local farmers and reducing your carbon footprint at a cheaper price. So, think globally, eat locally.