Nepali football stands at a historic crossroads today. On one side, the nation’s beloved “Gorkhali Chelis” (the Women’s National Team) are sweating in training, dreaming of South Asian glory. On the other, a “cold war” between sports administrators and international regulators threatens to pull the plug on everything.
The Hope: The 35-Member “Quest for Gold”
Despite the administrative “dark clouds,” head coach Nabin Neupane has officially lit the fuse for the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026.
Starting April 27 (Baisakh 14), 35 of Nepal’s finest players will enter a closed-camp at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato. With the tournament set for Goa, India (May 25 – June 7), Nepal finds itself in Group A alongside Sri Lanka and Bhutan.
The Heartbreak: A Nation Rallies for ‘Samba’
The biggest blow to the pitch came early this year when Nepal’s all-time leading scorer, Sabitra Bhandari (Samba), suffered a devastating ACL and MCL injury while playing for Wellington Phoenix.
The injury didn’t just sideline a star; it sparked a national conversation about athlete welfare. After a period of uncertainty and a global crowdfunding campaign by fans, there is a glimmer of hope as recovery efforts intensify. While she will miss the upcoming SAFF Championship, her spirit remains the driving force for the squad. “I am tired, but not defeated,” Samba recently shared, a sentiment that has become a rallying cry for football fans across Nepal.
In the absence of Samba, the weight of the nation falls on the shoulders of:
- Anjila Tumbapo Subba: The veteran captain whose leadership in goal will be vital.
- Rekha Poudel & Rashmi Ghising: The dynamic duo expected to fill the scoring void.
- Preeti Rai: The midfield engine who must now dictate the tempo of Nepal’s new-look attack.
The Danger: The FIFA “Red Card”
While the players train, the suit-and-tie world is in chaos. Nepal is currently staring down the barrel of a FIFA International Ban.
Administrative Update: The FIFA & AFC Pressure
Regarding the rumored “ban,” here is the precise situation: Nepal is not currently banned, but the pressure is at an all-time high.
FIFA and the AFC have officially reached out to the National Sports Council (NSC), pressing them to lift the three-month suspension of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) committee. The international bodies are urging the NSC to resume the election process and respect the autonomy of the federation.
The goal of this intervention is to ensure that the suspension does not escalate into a full international ban, which would jeopardize the Women’s team’s participation in SAFF next month. Insiders suggest that a resolution is being fast-tracked this week to ensure the “Gorkhali Chelis” can travel without hindrance.
The Road to Redemption
Nepal has long been a giant in South Asian football, consistently reaching the finals and dominating play. However, the final hurdle has often proved the most difficult. This year, the atmosphere in the camp is different. Coach Neupane has signaled a new era of tactical discipline and hunger, aiming to transform Nepal’s reputation from “perpetual runners-up” to undisputed champions.
The Squad: A Blend of Experience and Fire
The 35-player list is a mix of veteran leadership and explosive young talent. Leading the charge from the back is the reliable Anjila Tumbapo Subba, supported by fellow keepers Anjana Rana Magar and Usha Nath.
The creative engine of the team features names like Preeti Rai, Anita Basnet, and Saru Limbu, while the goal-scoring burden will be shared among clinical finishers like Rekha Poudel and Rashmi Kumari Ghising.
The Full Preliminary Squad:
Anjila Tumbapo Subba, Anjana Rana Magar, Usha Nath, Anita Basnet, Anita Lamjel, Anita KC, Asmita Nepali, Barsha Oli, Bimala BK, Bimala Chaudhary, Birsana Chaudhary, Deepa Shahi, Gita Rana, Hira Bhujel, Jennifer Rana, Manmaya Damai, Mina Deuba, Neha Kumari Chaudhary, Nisha Thokar, Punam Chemjong, Pratikshya Chaudhary, Preeti Rai, Puja Rana, Purnima Rai, Rashmi Kumari Ghising, Rekha Poudel, Renuka Nagarkoti, Sabina Chaudhary, Sajani Thokar, Samiksha Ghimire, Saraswati Hamal, Saru Limbu, Silu Pariyar, Sukriya Miya, and Sushila Kumari Chaudhary.
The Verdict
With the tournament set for the lush Fatorda Stadium in Goa, the stage is perfectly set. Nepal enters as a top seed, and with the tactical mind of Neupane behind them, the “Chelis” are not just participating—they are coming for the crown.