Nepal Star Striker Sabitra Bhandari Appeals for Funds for Crucial Knee Surgery After Federation's Alleged Neglect

Kathmandu. Star striker of the Nepali national women's football team, Sabitra Bhandari (Samba), has appealed to her general supporters for financial assistance for her complex knee surgery. She has been forced to seek help through social media after the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), whom she considered a guardian, allegedly abandoned her by neglecting her treatment.

Samba, who has been sidelined for the past 7 weeks due to injury, has suffered severe damage to both the previously grafted ACL and the MCL in her knee. She requires another complex surgery for this. The surgery date was set through the initiative of her New Zealand club three weeks after the injury occurred. However, she halted the club's process after ANFA assured her that they would manage the entire arrangement from their side. Ironically, after a long delay, ANFA backed out, stating they could not provide administrative support.

According to Samba, the ANFA President himself contacted her last week, stating that ANFA could only provide a maximum of 5 lakh rupees in assistance and that she should arrange the rest of the process herself. On one hand, the treatment process that had already begun was halted due to ANFA, and on the other hand, she found herself back at square one after two months. She expressed deep disappointment, mentioning that she heard arguments within ANFA suggesting they should not be responsible as she got injured while playing for a foreign club, not the national team.

Currently in New Zealand, Samba stated that her club is ready to arrange treatment at a local hospital there and provide the insurance money. However, because the injury is very serious and the previous treatment done at Aspetar Hospital in Qatar was successful and high-standard, she wishes to have the surgery done there again. The club clarified that the amount released from the insurance will not be enough for the surgery in Qatar and the subsequent 7-8 months of rehabilitation (recovery).

The initial estimate for this entire treatment process is around 80,000 US dollars. Stating that she has not earned such a large sum in her entire football career, she mentioned being forced to reach out to her supporters. Although efforts for assistance are also being made by the government, she clarified that the government process is slow and cumbersome, and she cannot afford to wait for the surgery.

Samba raised serious questions about sports leadership and the system, wondering about the plight of other ordinary players in Nepal when she, who has played football in Europe and captained the national team, has to struggle this much for treatment. She stated that whether playing in France, Israel, Australia, or New Zealand, she always prioritized the identity of the country over personal gain and has always given 100% contribution to the nation.

Although she mentioned that this serious injury and the behavior of the guardian organization have left her physically and mentally exhausted, Samba has not lost hope. Fighting the toughest battle of her career, she expressed a firm belief that after the surgery is successful with the support of her fans, she will return to the field wearing Nepal's jersey again, saying, "I am tired, but I have not lost."

Arrangements have been made for supporters in the country to contribute financially via QR code or bank account, and for those abroad, through the fundraising link named 'Give a Little' to support her treatment.