ANFA key to future of Nepali Women football

The   women’s national   football team of Nepal   put forth   a great collective effort in the recently concluded 2nd Women SAFF Championship in Colombo, Sri Lanka, but they failed to strike it rich at the end.

It was an incredible  effort, indeed, and   they have made the country proud. They can hold their heads up high and say, “We did our very best”.

Let us not forget, the ladies have   struggled, worked   long and toiled hard to get where they are today.  Their passion and dogged determination for the game of football kept/keeps them going.

They have reached three finals in three years and elevated themselves to the position of number two in South Asia. The fruits   of    their   labor are starting to pay off; nonetheless, they still have a long way to go.

Prior to the final game, one big question on everyone’s mind was: Will the third time be a charm for Team Nepal? The answer is of course, “No”. 

The second place finish is a    great accomplishment, considering the   enormous challenges the footballers have gone through.

The   footballers   did all they could to upset   defending champions India. They made a dream start and drew first blood in the third minute of   play. I   was   euphoric and made   me believe   that they could do it.

The defense, however, caved in, allowing the opponent to restore parity. They did play a gritty and aggressive game and had a number of scoring opportunities. In the end, they went down fighting hard, stretching a better organized and prepared Indian outfit.

Undeniably,   in spite of the defeat, the gap between Nepal and India has narrowed considerably, in recent years. All credit goes to the ladies   for believing in themselves and making things happen.

A victory could have been a huge lift for Nepali women football that has been largely overlooked for so long by the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA).

It is very   obvious   that   women football in Nepal   has   suffered   the plight of a step daughter, which is unfortunate and beyond comprehension. This   is   nothing but sheer   negligence   and ignorance on part of ANFA.

The real truth of the   matter   is   that   the football body   simply   did /does not care   about their ability, potential and passion.  I find it hard to believe that   women football has survived a climate of uncertainty for close to two decades.

Despite everything, the ladies have put on a brave front, and they have proven, time and again, that they are capable of   accomplishing   things on their   own, especially   for the country.

How long more they have to wait for the recognition and respect they so richly deserve? They deserve a far better treatment than this.

Given the   current   state of affairs, there is much work to be done.  Everyone agrees that ANFA, not footballers, hold the key to the future   of   Nepali   women football.

ANFA needs to be honest and truthful, rather than make cheap hollow promises and false hopes. We have had enough. No more excuses, it is time to act.