By Sachit Subba • Other Sports • May 19, 2026 12:26 PM • 78 views
KATHMANDU, May 19 — The Nepal Chess Federation (NCF) is facing internal conflict after a significant faction tabled a formal motion of no-confidence against President Herakaji Maharjan and General Secretary Dharam Bahadur Lama.
On May 18, a faction led by Senior Vice President Dipen Rai and backed by key executives—including Nepal’s first International Arbiter, Gyanendra Khaiju—secured 42 signatures from the 118-member general assembly, comfortably clearing the constitutional 30-vote threshold required to challenge the leadership.
The rebellion was triggered by explosive allegations of corruption, unconstitutional operations, and a devastating human trafficking scandal. The opposition claims that management secretly added 13 non-sporting individuals to an official visa roster of 13 legitimate players bound for the Chess Olympiad. The fraudulent applications triggered a blanket visa rejection, shattering the players' dreams and forcing Nepal to withdraw from the global tournament in humiliation.
Both sides are now asserting legitimacy and have petitioned the National Sports Council (NSC) and the Sports Ministry. While the incumbents work to retain their positions, the opposing bloc is requesting government approval for a Special General Assembly to formally vote on the current leadership.
