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.
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