KATHMANDU: The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has said it has taken serious note of concerns expressed on social media by national women’s football team captain Sabitra Bhandari, popularly known as ‘Samba’, and clarified that necessary initiatives are underway regarding her injury and treatment.
In a statement, ANFA described Bhandari as a pride and asset of Nepali football and assured that it is actively coordinating efforts to ensure proper medical care.
According to ANFA, Bhandari sustained a knee injury while playing professional football for Wellington Phoenix FC in the Australian A-League. As per international practice, when a player is injured while playing club football, the responsibility for treatment primarily lies with the respective club.
However, ANFA stated that after Bhandari expressed her wish to receive treatment in Qatar instead of New Zealand, the association has been making all possible efforts to facilitate the process.
The association confirmed that it has formally communicated with the Qatar Football Association regarding her treatment. ANFA President Pankaj Bikram Nembang is also personally coordinating and following up on the matter.
Furthermore, ANFA said that, at Bhandari’s request, it has written to Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs seeking diplomatic coordination related to her treatment arrangements.
The association recalled that it had previously borne the full treatment costs of several national women players, including Priti Rai, Deepa Shahi, Hira Bhujel, Gita Rana, Purnima Jhargha Magar, Renuka Nagarkoti and Sabita Rana Magar, who have since continued to perform at national and international levels.
ANFA expressed its commitment to studying and discussing treatment-related agreements and arrangements with the concerned club to ensure that no shortcomings occur. It also stated that the entire ANFA family stands firmly with the national team captain during this difficult time and is committed to helping her return to the field as soon as possible.
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