ANFA Assumes Full Responsibility for Injured Player Ashish Rai's Treatment and Rehabilitation

Kathmandu. All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has clarified that it has been taking full responsibility for the treatment and rehabilitation of U-23 national team player Ashish Rai, who has been injured for the past 17 months. ANFA, which has been providing assistance for treatment since the accident on the field until now, has also committed to bearing all future expenses until the player fully recovers.

Ashish sustained a serious injury to his left leg during a friendly match against the Chinese team (Yunnan) on February 15, 2025. He was immediately taken to Star Hospital from the field, and after complications were seen in the X-ray, he was referred to B&B Hospital for further treatment.

His first surgery was performed under the direct supervision of Prof. Dr. Amit Joshi at B&B Hospital. Later, due to a 'compartment syndrome' problem, his second surgery was also successfully completed. After being discharged from the hospital, Ashish was continuously kept at the ANFA hostel for rehabilitation and regular follow-ups with Dr. Joshi.

After initial treatment in Nepal, with ANFA's initiative and coordination from the Chinese Embassy, Ashish was sent to Yunnan, China, for approximately 6 months for further treatment. After returning from China, he was accommodated in a well-facilitated hotel, and his treatment and rehabilitation continued at the best rehab centers in Nepal.

For further specialized treatment, he was sent to the prestigious Bangkok Hospital in Thailand on April 30, 2026. At that time, ANFA had released 1 million rupees for treatment expenses. In May 2026, doctors at Bangkok Hospital reported that the remaining rehabilitation could be done in Nepal after 1 month of treatment in Thailand.

According to the doctors, although Ashish's left leg bone is in the process of healing, it will take at least another year to remove the metal plate from his leg, after which it will be determined whether he can return to play or not.

• Technical Obstacle in Further Payment Due to Account Freeze

Although the doctors in Thailand suggested rehabilitation in Nepal, Ashish showed reluctance to be treated in Nepal. Therefore, as per his request, ANFA began efforts to arrange further treatment in Thailand. As per the player's request, the ANFA General Secretary had already issued an order for the release of additional funds.

However, at the same time, ANFA was suspended internationally, and as per the directive of the National Sports Council (NSC), all activities and financial transactions (bank accounts) of the association were completely frozen, creating a technical problem in immediately sending further financial assistance to the injured player.

ANFA has clarified that it will not shy away from its responsibilities towards Ashish Rai and all players. The association, which has borne all expenses for the past 17 months, has stated that it will continue to take responsibility for treatment expenses in the future.

ANFA has stated in its commitment, 'As soon as the legal and administrative problems related to the association's suspension regarding Ashish Rai are resolved, the pending payments and further treatment process will be immediately expedited.'

ANFA has mentioned that they are committed to fulfilling all their duties to bring him back to the field.