All Systems Go: Pokhara Ready to Host Historic 22nd NSJF Pulsar Sports Award

Sachit Subba

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Heartbreak at Dasharath: East Bengal Stuns APF to Clinch Inaugural SAFF Women’s Club Championship

KATHMANDU - Once again, Dasharath Stadium proved unlucky for Nepal, as the dream of winning an international title at home slipped away. In the final of the first SAFF Women’s Club Championship, Nepal’s APF Football Club lost 3–0 to India’s East Bengal FC, leaving 8,000 home fans in shock. The crowd in Tripureshwor was buzzing before the match, but defensive mistakes decided the outcome. APF fought hard, but three key errors led directly to all three goals for the Indian team. Mistakes at the back hurt the home team. East Bengal’s top striker, Fazila Ikwaput, scored twice and won the Golden Boot. The first goal, in the 21st minute, came after a defensive error. ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/RQtR8geGmcFu3CWOBbIMZb1knLiV1BbmGhiO4jNt.jpg) APF left-back Manmaya tried to clear a pass from East Bengal’s Sarita Yumnam with a header but missed. Fazila quickly took advantage, and her shot deflected off APF center-back Gita Rana, leaving the goalkeeper wrong-footed as the ball went in. In the 35th minute, things got even worse for APF. Manmaya again had trouble clearing a corner, and Indian defender Ashalata Devi took the ball from her, drove into the box, and crossed it. Midfielder Silky Devi Hemam jumped highest and headed the ball past APF goalkeeper Anjana Rana Magar, making it 2–0. A Nightmare Start to the Second Half. Any hopes of an APF comeback? The second half started badly for APF. Just 16 seconds after the break, any hope of a comeback disappeared. Goalkeeper Anjana Rana Magar let a weak shot from Fazila slip between her legs and into the net. That soft goal ended the contest, and East Bengal controlled the rest of the match. They swept the individual honors as well. ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/sjOHIFDNqgG6q4Qw6ukqgVnBSxhO3iDcyHUW9XpM.jpg) **Champions: East Bengal FC (Received $10,000 USD)** **Runner-up: APF Football Club (Received $5,000 USD)** Striker Fazila Ikwaput was the undisputed star of the tournament. With nine goals in just five matches, Striker Fazila Ikwaput stood out as the tournament’s top player. She scored nine goals in 5 games, earning both the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Top Scorer awards, along with an additional $1,000 USD and her trophies. Additionally, East Bengal’s Elangbam Panthoi Chanu was judged the Best Goalkeeper, completing a total dominance by the visitors. Transport United FC took home the Fair Play Award. For APF and their fans, it was a tough loss. They reached another final but missed out on the trophy again, learning another hard lesson on the big stage.

SAFF Club Women’s Championship: East Bengal and APF Set for High-Stakes Final Showdown

The stage is set for a blockbuster finale to the SAFF Club Women’s Championship as India’s East Bengal FC prepares to lock horns with the host nation’s powerhouse, APF Football Club, this Saturday evening at the Dasharath Rangasala. The championship decider, kicking off at 5:00 PM, promises to be a tactical battle between the tournament’s top two sides. East Bengal enters the final as the league leaders, having remained unbeaten with 10 points (three wins and a draw). The hosts, APF, secured their spot in the final as the second-seeded team with 8 points, coming off two wins and two draws. ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/DA91C1n5W4nFcG0W1yPiUu4M448sQ02Y5NppcQ1L.jpg) **East Bengal Eyes Clinical Edge** For East Bengal Head Coach Anthony Andrews, the primary focus leading up to Saturday has been converting dominance into goals. The two sides met just days ago in the final group stage match, a contest that ended in a stalemate after the Indian side failed to capitalize on numerous scoring opportunities. Speaking at the pre-match conference on Friday, Andrews assured supporters that the team’s “finishing” issues have been addressed. “We do not view APF as a weak team. While the result of the last group match didn’t impact the standings, I am confident the team will put up a different performance in the final,” Andrews stated. “We know our weaknesses. The team morale is high. We created many chances previously but couldn’t convert them; in the final, East Bengal will create chances and utilize them.” East Bengal Captain Fazila Ikwaput dismissed concerns regarding the pressure of playing against a partisan home crowd. “Playing as the visiting team naturally brings some pressure, but East Bengal is focused on the game rather than the number of supporters,” Ikwaput said. “We have a strong opponent, and this is an excellent tournament. We will give our 100 percent throughout the game.” ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/tgM6GZ4tzTjxfUyNbQfNoACbNbLIscYAc92U9NTa.jpg) **APF Seeks to Break the ‘Stadium Curse’** On the opposing bench, APF Head Coach Jibesh Kumar Pandey confirmed that his squad is physically and mentally prepared for the challenge. Pandey acknowledged that his team struggled on the frontline during the league phase but used the two-day break to sharpen their attack. “There were problems in the team’s frontline during the league phase. We have trained specifically to fix this weakness,” Pandey noted. “Having already competed against East Bengal, we know what to expect.” For APF Captain Anita Basnet, the match carries weight beyond just club glory. She touched on the venue's emotional history, where Nepali teams have often faltered at the final hurdle. “We are representing the nation along with the club. Nepal has suffered defeats in many finals held at Dasharath Rangasala. Therefore, we are very excited to win this title,” Basnet said. Basnet also highlighted the broader implications of the final for the players’ careers. “Many are watching the players here. If we perform well, it opens doors for opportunities with other clubs,” she added. With both teams looking to correct past mistakes and claim regional supremacy, the final promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the championship.

East Bengal Clinch Top Spot After Gritty Scoreless Draw with Hosts APF

KATHMANDU – In a tactical stalemate at Dasharath Stadium on Wednesday, Nepal APF Club drew 0-0 against India’s East Bengal FC in the final round-robin fixture of the SAFF Women’s Club Championship. East Bengal finished as group winners on goal difference, while the hosts settled for the runners-up spot. Despite the lack of goals, the match was a high-stakes rehearsal for the final, as both teams had already secured their places in the title decider before kickoff. **Missed Opportunities and Defensive Lapses** The first half was defined by a massive “what if” for APF. In the 40th minute, the home side was given a golden opportunity after a rare lapse by veteran Indian international Ashalata Devi. The defender lost her footing during a clearance, allowing APF striker Rashmi Kumari Ghising to pounce on the loose ball. With only the keeper to beat, Ghising hesitated inside the box and failed to shoot before the defence recovered. That moment likely would have changed the group standings.p up the pressure, searching for a breakthrough to silence the Kathmandu crowd. However, APF’s captain and goalkeeper, Anjana Rana Magar, stood tall, producing a series of crucial saves to keep her clean sheet intact. ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/JMN0fxheSc3d6N0YFFesAC4xBBEihz1jX4SLsWYm.jpg) In stoppage time, APF had one last chance to claim victory and the top spot. Saru Limbu struck from distance, but the East Bengal keeper parried the shot to ensure the points were split. **A Strategic Draw?** While fans may have hoped for more clinical finishing, this match was a masterclass in defensive organisation from both sides. For APF, not capitalizing on Ashalata Devi’s error will be a talking point in the dressing room. Still, their defensive solidity against East Bengal provides a morale boost for the final. Watch, with the group stage formalities over, the pressure shifts to the final, where “almost” goals won’t be enough to lift the trophy.

Cricket

SQUAD ANNOUNCED: Nepal Locks in 15 Names for T20 World Cup Glory

KATHMANDU, Jan 6, 2026 – The wait is over. The Rhinos are ready to charge on the global stage once again. In a highly anticipated announcement this evening, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) unveiled the official 15-man squad that will represent the nation at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Led by the talismanic Rohit Paudel, the squad features a blend of battle-hardened veterans and explosive young talent. This signals Nepal’s intent to compete fiercely against the heavyweights in Group C. The Squad: A Mix of Stability and Firepower The selection committee has kept faith in the core that defined Nepali cricket’s recent rise, while adding profiles suited for the sub-continental conditions in Mumbai, where Nepal will play its group stage matches. Rohit Paudel retains the captaincy, providing stability to the batting order. He will be supported by his deputy, the "Tiger" Dipendra Singh Airee, whose all-round prowess remains the heartbeat of this team. The most reassuring sight for fans is Sandeep Lamichhane. The leg-spin wizard, instrumental in Nepal’s global recognition, leads a spin attack that looks lethal for Indian pitches. He is joined by the disciplined left-arm orthodox of Lalit Rajbanshi and the promising Sher Malla, whose inclusion addresses the need for aggressive wicket-taking options in the middle overs. ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/eATLf2BWThTgH3wwk7lAcr6Q1t4i7y3gM0RaDzfp.jpg) **Analysis: Pace, Power, and the X-Factors** The pace department sees the reunited "Som-Karan" duo, Sompal Kami and Karan KC, bringing years of experience and lower-order hitting. The inclusion of Nandan Yadav adds a fresh dimension to the seam attack, offering a skiddy option that could be vital under the lights at the Wankhede. the batting unit’s intent. The recall of Lokesh Bam suggests a clear strategy: Nepal wants to maximize the powerplay and death overs with pure six-hitting ability. Alongside the dynamic opening pair of Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh, and the finishing duties of Sundeep Jora and Gulshan Jha, this lineup is built to chase targets, not just set them. **The Road Ahead** The stakes have never been higher. Inl faces a gauntlet of fixtures in Mumbai: * Feb 8: vs England (The Opener) * Feb 12: vs Italy * Feb 15: vs West Indies * Feb 17: vs Bangladesh Opening the campaign against defending champions England at the Wankhede Stadium. This is a fire. This is the kind of stage to reveal CAN's confidence in the squad's preparation. As the team prepares to depart for India, the message from the jersey, emblazoned with the majestic Rhino and the jagged peaks of the Himalayas, is clear: Nepal is coming to play.

History on Home Soil: Nepal Unveils Squad for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier

Hosts Nepal have named their 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Global Qualifiers after qualifying the tournament for the first time in their history. The tournament will also mark the first time Nepal host a women’s ICC event. Squad Indu Barma (c), Puja Mahato, Rubina Chhetri, Sita Rana Magar, Bindu Rawal, Samjhana Khadka, Kajal Shrestha, Kabita Joshi, Kabita Kunwar, Rachana Chaudhary, Riya Sharma, Roma Thapa, Suman Bista, Rajmati Airee, Manisha Upadhaya Nepal have appeared at the Asia Cup three times in the T20I format but will now look to make it to the T20 World Cup for the first time as they host the Global qualifiers that are scheduled to be held from January 14 to February 1. ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/pxyN1cVU9Hn3g7nsOpQBW9VBsmc50lrSVFz5KBPj.jpg) A total of ten teams will vie for four spots in the T20 World Cup later this year, with the teams being split into two groups of five. The top three teams in each group will advance to the Super 6s. The six teams will then face each other in a round-robin format and the top four teams will confirm a place in the World Cup that is scheduled to be held in England and Wales in June. **Group A: Bangladesh, Ireland, Namibia, Papua New Guinea, United States** **Group B: Nepal, Netherlands, Scotland, Thailand, Zimbabwe**

Paudel Inks Deal with SPG Automobiles; Collects NPL MVP Wheels in Kathmandu Ceremony

Nepal’s national cricket captain, Rohit Paudel, is now the brand ambassador for SPG Automobiles Pvt. Ltd. The three-year partnership was announced at a ceremony in Kathmandu on Friday, which also celebrated Paudel’s standout performance in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2025. After leading the Lumbini Lions to victory and being named ‘Electrifying Player of the Tournament,’ Paudel received the keys to a JAECOO 15 Electric SUV. SPG Automobiles also covered the windfall tax on the prize, so Paudel gets the full benefit of his reward. ![](https://bootballer.com/storage/media/posts/2WHWNxXhkyru8ACPdySRsxPgHKHHa5Z4VuUagaKF.jpg) The event mixed business and celebration as SPG Director Gaurav Sharda and Captain Paudel signed the Memorandum of Understanding to confirm the partnership. Managing Director Sandeep Sharda handed over the SUV keys, which has a 155 kW motor and a 461-kilometre range. Paudel thanked the company by signing a cricket bat for the executives. "I am incredibly excited to be appointed as the Brand Ambassador," Paudel said, and shared that he looks forward to driving the SUV, which is well-suited for Nepali roads. The ceremony also recognized all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee, another SPG brand ambassador. Director Gaurav Sharda said the leadership and consistency shown by both players match the Omoda and JAECOO brands.

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All Systems Go: Pokhara Ready to Host Historic 22nd NSJF Pulsar Sports Award

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36 views 21 hours ago