Kathmandu: The Nepal Women’s National Football team, which is ready to compete with Uzbekistan today in the final after defeating Sri Lanka, received a message of best wishes from Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. PM Oli wished virtually the women’s football team, which is in Uzbekistan, all set to play for victory. Waving hand for the team, PM Oli said, “Hello, Samba and the team, wish you all the best!” In response, Captain Sabitra Bhandari and her team also greeted PM Oli waving their hands.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the team received a best wishes message for victory from the PM. Member Secretary of the National Sports Council, Tanka Lal Ghising, President of All Nepal Football Association, Pankaj Bikram Nembang, and General Secretary Kiran Rai, who were connected virtually from Nepal, were also excited by Prime Minister Oli’s encouragement to the players.
PM Oli, expressing his delight over Nepal’s victory against Sri Lanka, was confident that Nepal would secure a win in the final match against Uzbekistan today. “I appreciate the contribution you are making to enhance the glory of the country. Another golden result will be achieved in the 40-year-old history of Nepali women’s football. You have the spirit to win. You must win. We will win. This would be a turning point,” the PM inspired.
Oli further encouraged the players, stating, “I will be with you in the match. The government will do whatever it needs to do to develop the sports sector.” Citing his recent visit to Real Madrid’s stadium in Spain, he admitted that he was considering how Nepal could build a similar stadium. He opined that the sports sector in Nepal was improving despite resource constraints. The PM insisted that the sports sector should not only be viewed as an expense but as something that could also generate income.
Likewise, ANFA President Pankaj Bikram Nembang extended his gratitude towards PM Oli for his best wishes and support and pledged the ANFA’s full support in the government’s efforts to develop infrastructure in the sports sector. He viewed that Oli’s visit to Real Madrid’s football club’s stadium reflected his interest and dedication to developing Nepal’s sports sector and it had further encouraged the sports fraternity.