Bagmati Rai likes to introduce herself in three ways — as a mother, a wife, and a working professional. She has a 10-year-old daughter who keeps her grounded and inspired. While her background is in the airline industry, life took an exciting turn when, through her husband, she was introduced to the world of sports.
She firmly believes that staying active is essential for a happy and healthy life — both mentally and physically. That belief ultimately led her to where she is today. She currently serves as the Managing Director at NRS Sports Foundation, where she leads a passionate, mostly women-led team working year-round to promote health and tourism through sports. Their initiatives include organizing marathons, road races, training programs, and corporate sports events.
She is known for being focused, kind, and deeply committed to everything she undertakes. Whether at home or at work, she strives to give her best with care and responsibility.
What inspired the creation of NRS Sports Foundation, and what is the core mission behind it?
NRS Sports Foundation was started by our Chairman, Mr. Nilendra Raj Shrestha, who is not just an athlete but also a coach and event organizer. His love for sports and his belief that sports can truly change lives inspired him to create this foundation.
Our main mission is to promote health and fitness among the general public through sports. We want people to live healthier, more active lives. We also focus on developing skilled athletes and coaches here in Nepal.
We specialize in organizing marathons and road races, and we help companies that want to hold their own races or sports events. It’s all about using sports to bring people together and build a healthier community.
What are some of the key programs or initiatives that the foundation is currently running?
The NRS Sports Foundation is currently running several key programs focused on health, awareness, and community engagement through sports. One of our main initiatives is the Keep Fit Circuit, which offers free running training to the general public, especially targeting schools and underprivileged children. We also train local coaches to promote fitness at the grassroots level.
In addition, we organize awareness races and walkathons in collaboration with different organizations. For example, we recently held the Run for Autism with Ladies Circle Nepal.
We also provide a platform for NGOs and other organizations to raise funds through sports. We not only manage our own events, but also support companies and institutions in running their sports programs professionally.
One of our key goals is to promote sports tourism. We believe sports can be a powerful way to bring visitors to Nepal.
In simple words, we try to use sports as a tool to bring people together, create awareness, and promote Nepal on a bigger stage.
What are the biggest challenges you face in running a sports-focused foundation in today's environment?
Running a sports foundation in today’s environment is both rewarding and challenging. One of our biggest challenges is financial support. In Nepal, it’s still difficult to find companies willing to offer significant sponsorships for sports events, which makes it hard to grow and sustain our programs.
Another major issue is road management during marathons. Since roads are not officially closed, ensuring the safety of runners while coordinating with traffic is a major task for us as organizers.
Lastly, unstable government policies and unclear taxation systems create further uncertainty. There are no strong policies yet that encourage or support the private sector to invest in sports development — something that could really make a difference.
Even with these challenges, we keep going because we believe in the power of sports to bring change and build a healthier community.
What motivates you in your role as Managing Director, and what advice would you give to young athletes or future sports leaders?
What motivates me the most is seeing the love and energy that young people have for sports. It’s inspiring to watch them train, grow, and reach new levels — even compete in championships. I feel proud when we’re able to support them and create job opportunities through sports.
Another big motivation comes from the runners who have been with us since the very first Kathmandu Marathon in 2007. Their continuous support reminds us why we started this journey, and it gives me the strength to do better each year.
My advice to young athletes and future sports leaders is simple: don’t lose hope. Stay passionate, stay focused, and keep going even when things are tough. The day will come when the right people take leadership in sports — and that’s when real, positive change will happen. Until then, let’s keep moving forward with belief and dedication.
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