With domestic football activities in Nepal at a standstill, Nepali players have been compelled to seek professional opportunities in Bhutan’s football league. Several Nepali female players, including Rashmi Kumari Ghising and Geeta Rana, are now regularly competing in the Bhutanese league through local clubs. Nepali defender Anant Tamang and midfielder Eric Bist have also signed with Bangladesh’s Fortis FC Limited for the upcoming season. Kathmandu, 15th Shrawan. After the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) was suspended by FIFA, football activities in Nepal have essentially ceased. The top-tier Martyrs Memorial A-Division League had not been held for an extended period prior. Furthermore, the national league, which ANFA barely managed to start last year, was suspended again after it was discovered that foreign players on tourist visas had participated.
With Nepal’s domestic football on hiatus, footballers, referees, and coaches alike have become unemployed. However, some Nepali players remain active, participating in Bhutan’s league. Bhutanese football has improved in recent years, making the league an attractive destination for Nepali players. There is a higher number of female Nepali players in Bhutan’s league compared to male players. The Nepali national team’s Rashmi Kumari Ghising and Geeta Rana were recently signed by Transport United Ladies team. Previously, other Nepali players such as Deepa Shahi, Samiksha Ghimire, Anita KC, and Mina Deuba have been playing in Bhutan’s Women’s National League for Transport United.
Although Bhutan’s league is not widely popular or large in scale, it maintains regular seasons with participation from both local and foreign players. Teams in Bhutan are allowed to field multiple foreign players, providing opportunities for Nepali players to compete. Cultural, linguistic, and geographic proximity also make Bhutan a convenient destination for Nepali footballers. Apart from playing football, players can financially benefit from these opportunities, making Bhutan’s league an attractive prospect for Nepali athletes.
