@pen.of.nepal.official: Education and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokharel has said that franchise leagues play a vital role in the development of sports in Nepal. Speaking at the NSL upcoming season announcement event held in Jhamsikhel on Sunday, she expressed hope that the Nepal Super League (NSL) will take Nepali football to a new height. She also highlighted that similar to the Nepal Premier League (NPL), which has contributed to the growth of Nepali cricket, NSL can serve as an important platform for football development. The minister added that Nepal has yet to effectively connect the private sector with sports development.