Dilip Rai: Unsung hero of Purwanchal football

Dilip Rai is a name synonymous to Purwanchal football. He is one of the unsung heroes of Nepali football, the media  overlooks. It won't be  an exaggeration to say that football is in his blood and heart almost since birth . 

No one disputes the fact that he is a great  asset to football in Purwanchal (East Nepal). He has been deeply involved with football in one way or the other, for over three decades.His passion, commitment  and enthusiasm for the game of football is unrivalled. 

He is a motivated and  ruthlessly driven individual, and a true gentleman who has sacrificed his entire life to football. He works tirelessly,feverishly around the clock, focussed on what he needs to do.  Football enthusiasts have nothing but  respect for him. 

His contributions  to football in the region in whatever shape or form has been invaluable. There are very few people in the country  dedicated  to football as Dilip dai.  

He is approachable, personable and  a true role model when it comes to football. His contemporaries describe him as  very hard working, honest, reliable  and  a fierce proponent of football.

His younger sibling Dipak Rai says his brother is emotionally attached to football and he is never going to change. 

"Football is his top priority and at the same time he has put so much effort and work into it. He enjoys what he does. I am amazed at how much energy and dedication he carries," he added.

Come domestic football season, Dilip dai,resident of Duhabi, Sunsari is almost always on the prowl.  He is  all over the place, not just attending tournaments but being an important part of the management team.

Last year All Nepal Football Association(ANFA)  finally recognized Dilip dai for his contribution to Nepali football. He received Rs.100,000 and a Yamaha bike. In my opinion. he deserves a lot more  than that.

In the role of President of Sunsari Football Association (SFA),Dilip dai  is faced with many challenges and dilemmas. Despite financial crunch,limited resources and inadequate infrastructures, he  is doing his very best   for the promotion of football in the region.

Although  he heads  SFA, affiliated to Ganesh Thapa led ANFA,  obviously, it is under funded. He runs on,against  all odds. He  appears disappointed but is   unruffled and  undaunted. 

He  is worried about the future of Nepali football  because of  uncertainties surrounding  ANFA and hopes that things will change for good at the earliest. 

Such is his love for Purwanchal football  that when Ganesh Thapa offered  him the   ANFA vice president position, he flatly refused.  

Dilip dai grew up in a football family and carried on family tradition. In his prime, he was a solid defensive player and played in district,club and national levels for a good number of years.

I had the privilege to  watch him play. I vividly remember ,a brainy and brawny player,he knew how to prepare, mentally and physically and read  opponents well.

After ages I ran into Dilip dai,uncle of international Sandip Rai  during the final  of  Birat Gold Cup in Biratnagar recently. I hardly noticed  any change in his  demeanor  I was so familiar with some twenty years ago. 

He  has won the  hearts  of minds of Purwanchal  football community. Though he has played a marathon  innings,he has no intention to throw in the towel, any time soon. 

He  is determined to  become an integral part of  Nepali football long as he can. I wish Dilip dai all the best.