Kathmandu, July 31 -- athletes and para-sports receive the same level of investment and opportunity as their able-bodied counterparts? While much of the global sporting community increasingly answers with a resounding "yes," Nepal remains a glaring exception.

"Today, the Paralympic Games are the world's third biggest sports event in terms of ticket sales; only the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup sell more," writes olympics.com. "Since the Salt Lake City 2002 Games, one organising committee has been responsible for hosting both the Olympic and the Paralympic Games. Athletes from both Games live in the same village and enjoy the same catering services, medical care and facilities."

Nepal has not won a single medal at the Olympics, de...