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General Category / General Discussion / Another opportunity goes begging by for Nepal in cricket
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on: September 02, 2010, 04:01:25 PM
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Started by sushilThapa | Last post by sushilThapa
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The end result for Nepal in the recently concluded ICC World Cricket League Division 4 championship in Italy was a huge disappointment. Evidently it was a missed opportunity for the national team to elevate themselves to a whole new level of competition.
The third place secured by the team is merely a consolation. The final outcome did little to comfort me. Not surprisingly, I reacted with utter discontent and frustration for the simple fact, our cricketers wasted yet another glorious chance to resurrect themselves.
The debacle is inexcusable because, by and large, it was a mediocre performance. In all fairness, the bowlers delivered the goods but the batsmen proved spoilers at the end of the day.
The kind of confidence and exuberance the team displayed prior to the championship made me truly believe that they stood a very good chance to strike it rich this time.
Going by the opponents’ strength in the competition, the two spots at stake (to qualify) for division third looked well within their reach.
Instead they bungled at critical juncture to finish well short of the goal. The matter of fact is that their defeat at the hands of Tanzania in the initial stage ultimately was the turning point, though; they avenged the loss to clinch the third position.
Apart from the United States, Nepal enjoyed a definite edge over the rest in terms of experiences and accomplishments. That said, success was by no means a foregone conclusion, and had to be earned by playing sensible and cohesive cricket, which unfortunately, they did not.
Our boys got off to a winning start with convincing wins over Italy and Argentina. However, the celebration was cut short, following their shock loss to Tanzania. Much to our anguish, it was all over after the US them shot them down in a crucial must win situation.
Nepal did rebound with wins over Tanzania and Cayman Islands to wrap up the championship but to no avail. Cricket buffs in the country have shared a common bone of contention, that is, they stood third and saved themselves from relegation.
The fact is that the national team has been playing in World Cup division 4 league for a significant period of time sans much success. By now, they should have been if not in division 1 or division 2, but 3 certainly.
The notion that the national team was and is weak without talented players is incorrect. There never has been a dearth of skilled players in the country. The increasing popularity of the game has lured a whole new generation of budding cricketers, which is a silver lining.
International results consistently point to the fact that players’ inabilities to put their act together and rise to the occasion when required have largely contributed to their downfall.
The latest setback is nothing more than a continuation of the national team’s losing streak. Going into the Italy tourney , Nepal was one of the heavy favorites, and they certainly did look so in the opening matches but dug their own graves in two crucial encounters.
Had the team gone down fighting to superior opponents, frustration and ire vented by critics and fans over debacle would have been minimal.
The bowlers performed superbly throughout the tournament to put the team in the driver’s seat. We witnessed explosive bowling from Rahul Biswokarma, Basant Regmi , Sharad Vesawkar, Amrit Bhattari and Shakti Gauchan.
As it turned out, batting department was the team’s Achilles heel . Barring a few none of the established batters were in good touch. They neither applied themselves fully nor displayed the temperament to score runs.
The majority of them literally threw away their wickets despite chasing paltry target mostly. By and large, it was a comedy of errors, coupled with mental vulnerability on their part.
Or call it reckless or irresponsible or laid-back batting , the team paid a heavy price. This is one front the coaching staff and players must address immediately for better results.
Of course , state of the sport does impact players nurturing but not necessary stop them from performing to their potential .Afghanistan ‘s success story stands out in the context. The progress they have made in a short span of time is amazing and unbelievable.
Defying and withstanding difficult circumstances, Afghanistan has explicitly demonstrated, where there is will there is a way. They have been richly rewarded for their dedication and endeavor, and today, they are competing against the game’s best.
Come on boys it is time you deliver the goods . You can make it happen.
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General Category / General Discussion / Government 's apathy destroying Nepali sport
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on: August 12, 2010, 07:12:25 PM
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Started by sushilThapa | Last post by sushilThapa
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Nepali sport continues to walk a tightrope. Everybody agrees that the state of sport is chaotic, largely because of apathy on part of the government. The matter of fact is that each passing day the mess keeps getting bigger and bigger, much to the agony of sport enthusiasts.
The level of uncertainty and insecurity amongst athletes and sport lovers is shockingly at an all time high. There is virtually a break down in the system and the government is yet to show its resolve to turn things around.
The ongoing political instability in the country has dramatically multiplied sport fraternity’s frustration and aggravation in the last ten years. Every political party in power has shunned sport and sports development has not been a top priority in the national budget.
On the whole, their approach has been nothing but lackadaisical and apathetic. After the nation was declared a republic, every sport buff sensed that sport sector would immensely benefit development wise.
Evidently, we were very wrong in our judgment. Never in my wildest imagination I thought that the government would isolate and pay no heed to sport sector as it has . This has resulted in further destruction of the sector that is so important to the society.
The Sport Ministry was set up amidst much fanfare, giving way to optimism all around. Regrettably, it has failed to play a pivotal role in order to rescue and revive the sector that is languishing.
The Ministry is passive and political as it can get and has no control over the warring National Sport Council (NSC) and Nepal Olympic Committee (NOC). Instead insanely driven by their petty interests, they continue to openly engage in political maneuvering and have shown no interest whatsoever to resolve the matter that is rapidly eroding the fabric of sport.
For a good number of years NSC and NOC have been converted into political citadels. We have witnessed political appointees and their sycophants brazenly make a mockery of sport institutions by shamelessly exercising their bureaucratic will.
Such has been the political meddling that sport sector today is in a dire strait with the future looking increasingly bleak and unpredictable. The two dozen plus national associations, more or less, speak the same story, and are barely functional.
The chain of events that have unfolded in front of our eyes in recent time confirms the fact that the state of affairs is far from encouraging. The zero accountability of officials at the helm of power is shocking and mind-boggling.
There is no quick fix to the present crisis Nepali sport is in. We need a government that understands the importance of prioritizing sport, and is willing to hand over the management to honest, able and professional people who are true visionary.
The latest confrontation between NSC and NOC over the appointment of chef de mission for the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore underscores the saga of Nepali sport.
Trapped in the cross- fire are athletes who have no choice but to put up a brave front. Withstanding and enduring demoralizing circumstances they are courageously marching on. It is time our politicians get the realization and urge the government to give sport a central place in national planning.
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General Category / League Football / ANFA lives in denial
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on: July 18, 2010, 02:30:53 PM
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Started by sushilThapa | Last post by sushilThapa
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The day Ganesh Thapa took over ANFA there was optimism all around. Every sport enthusiast including me truly believed that the landscape of domestic football would take a U-turn for the good.Alas, that was not to be true.
Sixteen years of his governance has yielded nothing but frustration, disappointment and anger.There never has been a serious and honest effort on their part to address issues hindering the development of football.
As a result, they have caused irreparable damage to the game and let down thousands of active and aspiring footballers in the country.
Shamelessly they live in denial and claim to have done a lot to uplift the game , which is a blatant lie. Their failure to release the football calender for the year and the cloud of uncertainty hovering over Division league football(A to D) has exposed them further.
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General Category / General Discussion / Euphoria for Spain,tears for the Netherlands
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on: July 18, 2010, 12:09:25 PM
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Started by sushilThapa | Last post by sushilThapa
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The wait was long but Spain finally accomplished football greatness by winning the 2010 World Cup in South Africa at the expense of the Netherlands in a scrappy and very physical final watched by a record global audience.
Twenty-six year old mid-fielder Iniesta sealed the deal for Spain, following his goal after 116 minutes of brutal football riddled with rough and physical play. English referee Howard Webb had a night mare controlling the game and in the later stages saw him lose control of the proceedings.
Things got so ugly that the referee had no choice but card players yellow (14 times) and red (1) repeatedly. As a consequence, the final was far from a classic affair and failed to produce the kind of zing and adventure every football fanatic had hoped for.
Spain came into the World Cup as one of the heavy favorites but got off to a disastrous start going down to Switzerland, however, they quickly rebounded to end the championship on a high note.
The Spaniards dished out a dazzling, cohesive and highly technical brand of football throughout the competition to stamp their domination and mark. They functioned like a well- oiled machine and never looked back after overcoming the initial hiccup.
Their latest success asserts the fact that Spanish football has come of age and set to dictate world football for a long time, which includes the 2012 European Championship and the 2014 World Cup in Brazil in my opinion.
In a span of two years Spain has scalped football’s two biggest prizes, the European championship (2008) and now the World Cup, a feat extremely incredible and difficult to attain.
Apparently the rest of the world is left with plenty of catching up to do.
As for the Netherlands it was a story of so close yet so far for the third time. Prior to this they appeared in two World Cup finals only to lose. Against Spain they stuck to their aggressive bullying ploy to unsettle them , and they succeeded till the fag end of extra time.
The Spaniards, however, not only withstood toe to toe with the Dutch but displayed incredible resilience and mental toughness to frustrate the opposition, time and time again.
The Dutch had their share of chances but were unable to convert it to their advantage. Despite the heart break, the men in orange had a great run and played outstanding attacking football, especially against Brazil which coincidentally was their most important victory.
Uruguay’s star striker Diego Forlan rightly walked away with the prestigious golden ball best player award. He was the tournament’s highest goal scorer and significantly contributed to his team’s success.
The Europeans finished on top to dominate the competition. Remember, the quarter-finals story line was very different with four South American teams in the fray, and it seemed though they were on their way to eclipse the World Cup.
However, the dramatic fall of mighty Brazil and Argentina instantly changed the equation and Uruguay by the skin of their teeth advanced to the semi-final. Two former World Cup winners France and Italy kissed the dust.
France in particular was a team in total disarray and made their internal strife public much to everyone’s shock. There were brilliant and outstanding players aplenty but none carried the aura, charisma and magnetism like Pele, Maradonna and Rolando to transform themselves into household names.
Apart from Ghana it was a mediocre performance from Africa’s other representatives including host South Africa. Youthful and talented Ghana did themselves proud by reaching the quarter-final. Japan and South Korea played impressive football throughout the championship. Evidently Asian football has considerably closed the gap with Europe and South America.
By and large, the championship was a rousing success in terms of management, organization and spectators participation. The number of spectators watching games at stadiums was the third highest ever. Overall attendance was 3.18 million as compared to 3.59 million (1994 in the US) and 3.36 million (2006 in Germany).
The World Cup had its flip side in the form of very controversial calls which stirred the hornet’s nest. The chorus for goal line technology is growing louder and louder by the day. Something must be done to rectify the flaws; otherwise, the game of football might no more be beautiful as it is.
The football governing body has to take the issue seriously and address it without further delay.
Around the world there was no let down to football fanatics’ enthusiasm and zeal for the competition they had eagerly awaited for four years. Expectedly, they followed every game with extreme passion and festivity around the clock rooting for their teams.
Withstanding the load shedding Nepali football fans were passionately and intensely part of the month long festival. Neighborhoods wore a festive look with every available space on walls, and electric poles plastered with World Cup stars.
Flags of different countries hugged major thoroughfares and alleyways in the capital. Communities were divided by team loyalty. For a microscopic view of the action and angles, fans huddled in front of gigantic TV screens.
Late into the night every goal generated a wail of joy and pain, audible in the distance. The following day, football talk largely dominated over breakfast and lunch.
Now that the World Cup is history there is very little for home fans to anticipate when it comes to domestic football that is headed to nowhere sadly. Support for football remains at all time high but more importantly fans have been let down by All Nepal Football Association’s (ANFA) lack of vision and dishonesty.
As I write ANFA is yet to decide the fate of the league football (division A to D) and has not released the yearly calendar which is preposterous .
Without a doubt football is truly the only global sport that is deeply entrenched in the hearts and
minds of every sport enthusiast. No wonder, come World Cup and the world erupts in unprecedented and unparalleled joy and celebration.
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General Category / General Discussion / Low -key football, controversial calls dominate World Cup
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on: July 01, 2010, 11:52:02 AM
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Started by sushilThapa | Last post by sushilThapa
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As I write the drama packed 2010 World Cup football tournament in progress in South Africa has reached the crucial quarter-final stage. Although the competition is racing to the finish, it is intriguing as it can get when it comes to predicting the winner.
The way the action has unfolded so far, undoubtedly, it has become increasingly tricky to put one’s money on a particular team. Of course, some of the heavily favored heavyweights of contemporary football in the likes of Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Germany and Holland are still in the fray.
In my opinion, I still feel the championship is wide open and any team can emerge victorious. I say this because in my observation none of the quarter-finalists have put on a classy and exclusive performance to make me believe that they are a cut above the pack.
To this point spectators around the globe are yet to witness football of the highest quality. The kind of football dished out by the million dollar professionals has been hugely disappointing. Not only have they played at a leisurely pace but failed to fully commit themselves.
Obviously, most of them seemed happy to play safe rather than risk their flourishing career. Regardless of the situation, players must rise to the occasion to deliver the goods for the country. There is no bigger and larger honor in representing the country in any form of competition, small or big.
So far much of the football talk has revolved around the sub –standard quality of umpiring. As seen some of the calls made by referees were simply horrendous and outrageous. The disallowed goals in the United States vs Slovenia and England vs Germany, coupled with Argentina’s off-side goal against Mexico had the world football governing body (FIFA) in a head spin.
Critics were quick to pounce mercilessly on the issue and demanded for the use of video replay technology and third umpire. Besides, there was a cascade of errors that could have been avoided by referees.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter did tender his apology to England and Mexico and assured that mistakes of this proportion would not be repeated. Long as the replay technology is ignored, I am not sure how he is going to resolve it.
As evidenced no referee is perfect and prone to mistakes. Referees selected for the World Cup are supposedly the best and brightest in the business, and are not suppose to blunder in a big way as they have.
Having said so, FIFA must find an effective way to put an end to such dreadful calls, or else football will no more be a beautiful game, and teams and fans agony and pain will continue unabated.
The fall of mighty France in the most shocking fashion was a major headline grabber as well. Apart from failing to qualify to the knock out stage, the French squad made a mockery of themselves by making their bickering public.
The demise of defending champion Italy in the preliminary round was equally dramatic and unexpected. They paid a heavy price for their mediocrity and listlessness.
The tournament has seen Latin American teams dominate the proceedings. Of the five teams, Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay are in the quarter-finals. Only Chile failed to reach the last sixteen, following their defeat to Brazil.
As for now, Spain, Holland and Germany hold the card for Europe. By far Holland has looked the most formidable and convincing. They have the fire power and depth to upset Brazil in the quarter-final.
Following their destruction of England, Germany looks a rejuvenated lot ready to take on Argentina. Against the surging Argentines they cannot let complacency dictate their performance like in the round of thirty-two.
Hot favorites Spain made a disastrous start losing to Switzerland and barely managed to reach the last sixteen. They are back in contention after their strong showing against a mediocre Portugal.
They are heavily favored against Paraguay in the quarter-final but can assure themselves victory only if they play to their form.
Cup favorites Brazil find themselves against a well coordinated and stubborn Holland. So far they have looked far from impressive and far to submissive. They have to step up and resort to their traditional attacking free flow football.
As a team Brazil must display more cohesion and aggression to get past the Dutch who look unyielding and unwavering. The clash of the titans is expected to be fascinating.
After a tumulus qualifiers Argentina has been playing super duper football in South Africa. They now look a team in total control and in the round of thirty-two was awesome. Not only did they win all their matches convincingly but were on top of their game.
Now many believe that they are the side to beat, and a true World Cup contender. Before that, however, they have to first overcome a formidable Germany. Coach Maradona is fully aware of the challenges and believes his team can deliver the goods provided they continue to work on the momentum they have gathered.
Africa’s lone survivor Ghana takes on Uruguay for a spot in the semi-final. They are definitely the dark horse and has performed mightily to reach this far. A highly talented youthful outfit, and should they continue with their robust aggressive style they are with a great chance to create history.
As for other African teams (Cameroon, Algeria, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and South Africa) it was a pretty dismal outing by their standards. They were not up to their task when it mattered most.
We saw Asia representatives Japan and South Korea live up to their billing. Both teams displayed sizzling football to reach the round of sixteen. The Japanese played their hearts out but lost out to Paraguay in the penalty shootout.
North Korea did look impressive against Brazil in the opener but were out played by Portugal and Ivory Coast in every department of the game.
Unheralded New Zealand completed their campaign with a clean slate, drawing all three matches. On the other hand, Australia struggled and fared poorly.
By and large, the round of thirty- two can be best remembered for poor officiating, shocks, surprises and low- key football.
Hopefully the landscape changes when the quarter-finals get underway Friday.
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General Category / League Football / ANFA's refusal to probe match fixing
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on: June 19, 2010, 11:31:43 AM
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Started by sushilThapa | Last post by sushilThapa
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We did have a winner in Nepal Police in the Martyr's league but speculation of match fixing is swirling all around.So far there are no hard evidences to back up the allegations. However, the manner in which a handful of matches unfolded did raise many eye brows and provided die hard football followers plenty of ammunition to believe that they were fixed, indeed.
What is true is that match fixing cannot be totally ruled out, something unacceptable and unethical. But there are some who simply ignore the golden rules of the game and ready to live with the consequences (should they found to be guilty).
Side by side, perhaps, they have gone all out to influence and win favour of officials(ANFA) to give them a clean chit. The issue has been brought to ANFA's attention already but to no avail. The football body is far from positive and has refused to investigate on the ground that no party has officially lodged a complaint.
No matter what, it is ANFA's responsibility to quell the suspicion and save themselves from being ridiculed further. At no cost we can allow match fixing to thrive and offenders go Scot free.
Over the years ,ANFA's image has taken a beating on all fronts. They have been a huge,huge disappointment and their trust level has shrunk to an all time low. We are sick and tired of ANFA's antics.
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General Category / General Discussion / World Cup Madness in South Africa
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on: June 06, 2010, 01:03:25 PM
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Started by sushilThapa | Last post by sushilThapa
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Come June 11 ,World Cup Football, the greatest and biggest sporting extravaganza gets underway for the first time in the exotic land of South Africa, where the best of the best thirty-two countries in the world compete for the game’s ultimate crown.
The month long spectacle held every four years is a carnival of sort and is followed intensely and extensively across the globe by people of all walks of life. Such unprecedented is the popularity of the event that the Olympic Games are a pale shadow in comparison.
When action unfolds, football enthusiasts in millions and millions across metropolis and villages in five continents will be glued to TV sets, following their favorite teams. Also talent scouts will be in force in South Africa to shop a new generation of players who are destined to rise to stardom status.
There is no better platform than World Cup for footballers to show case their talent. It is a life time opportunity for them to make the most out of it professionally. The stake is extremely high for them because either they lose or gain at the end of the day.
South Africa, popularly known as the “Rainbow Nation” is all dressed up for the spectacular event. The matches are being staged in nine magnificent cities: Cape Town, Mangaung/Bloemfontein, Polokwane, Durban, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, Rustenburg, Johannesburg, Nelspruit and Tshwane/Pretoria.
The final is slated for 11 July in Johannesburg.
For a month this stunning, picturesque, scenic and sports crazy nation will be in the midst of a football frenzy of epic proportion, never ever seen before.
Part of the June Madness will be football fanatics around the world including me. We fully deserve to rejoice and exult every moment of the action in our own ways.
The World Cup 2010 features 32 teams divided into eight groups. In the mix are a host of former champions in the likes of Brazil, Germany, France, Italy, Argentina, Uruguay, England and, first timers Ivory Coast, Serbia and Slovakia.
When it comes to predicting the winner, it becomes increasingly tricky and complicated. Throw in historical perspective, coupled with statistics, you might end up with a team in your analysis has a chance to win.
If I am to predict, frankly speaking, I am unsure this time. Should I force myself into picking a team, I feel , though, I might be unable to justify my selection forcefully as desired. Getting to the point, like most, I have always put my money on Brazil; this time is no exception as well.
I strongly feel the competition this time is wide open.
Obsession, one may call it to a large extent has to do with my liking and admiration for Brazil strictly in terms of football. Over the decades, we have witnessed outstanding players in the caliber of Pele, Zico, Socrates, Didi, Zito, Romario, Junior, Falcao, Ronaldo, Ronaldhino and many more emerge.
As a footballing nation, Brazil is truly one of the greatest and the most respected. It is said that sans Brazil the World Cup is incomplete. On the field they bring in football of the highest order, coupled with spell binding individual brilliance.
Time and time again, they have enthralled and galvanized the world with their versatility, poise, finesse, and attacking brand of football . No wonder they have a cult like following in the world. They are the only country to have won the World Cup five times and to have played in every World Cup since 1930.
As evidenced by the exclusion of established players like Ronaldhino and Adriano from the World Cup squad, the pool of talent in Brazil is simply overwhelming. To a large extent Brazil’s fate hinges on Nilmar, Fabiano, Kaka and Lucio.
Carrying the tag of sentimental favorites, Brazil, definitely will be under tremendous pressure to deliver the goods. Veteran world cupper and coach Dunga is fully aware of the fact that in order to stand out they have to peak their performance consistently throughout the championship.
That said, the Brazilians are in a very formidable and intriguing group( group of death) consisting of North Korea, Ivory Coast and Portugal . Portugal led by ace striker Cristiano Ronaldo is a very dangerous and talented lot who play Brazilian style football. They are looking forward to improve their best third place finish in the 1966 World Cup.
Spearheaded by Chelsea’s high scoring Didier Drogba and Salomon ( club mate) Ivory Coast carry the reputation of playing a fast and furious brand of football. Hopefully Drogba who had surgery on his elbow makes a timely comeback.
The Koreans are no pushovers and have the potential to surprise the best in the game. Their epic 1966 World Cup performance ( reached the quarter-finals) remain fresh in our memory to this day.
Two –times champion Argentina under football great Diego Maradona will be under the scanner. They barely made it to South Africa, following their dismal and inconsistent performances in the World Cup qualifiers.
Undoubtedly, there is tremendous depth and strength in the team but they cannot afford mediocrity like in the qualifiers. Served with brilliant players like Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez, the South American giant must rise to the occasion to overcome determined Nigeria, Greece and South Korea.
The million dollar question is, can the four –times World Cup winners and defending champions Italy defend its title? Having said so, they must give their best against Paraguay, New Zealand and Slovakia.
They have a bunch of fabulous players in Fabio Cannavaro, Daniele de Rossi and Gennaro on whom the team depends heavily. Should they put their act together they stand a good chance.
Three-time champion Germany’s prospect of winning the cup for the fourth time hangs in balance. The loss of their skipper Michael Ballack (because of injury) is a big blow to the team, but the presence of highly experienced players like Klose, Lahm, Podolski and Scweinsteiger still makes them rock solid .Going by their form they have a chance to top the group comprising of Australia, Serbia and Ghana .
Champions in 1930 and 1950, Uruguay has a daunting task in South Africa. They got the better of Costa Rica in the play-off to qualify for the World Cup. A lot depends on the chemistry and dynamism of the dynamic trio of Diego Lugano, Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez .
The 1998 champion France have enormous work ahead of them and face formidable opponents in South Africa, Mexico and Uruguay. They did struggle in the qualifiers but are a force to reckon with. They are a young side led by veteran Thierry Henry, and a lot will depend on emerging stars Yoann Gourcuff and Franck Ribery performance.
Since their World Cup victory in 1966, England has been in the wilderness, struggling to find the magic touch that transformed them into a great footballing nation. Dime-a-dozen times they have faltered in their attempts to salvage their squandered reputation.
Yet once again they have the opportunity to come out with flying colors. They have an impressive lineup consisting of seasoned and versatile players in the likes of Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Ashley Cole capable of delivering the goods .
They are against the United States, Algeria and Slovenia in the preliminary round and must show their form to avoid early disappointment.
Focus will be on the United States against their opener with England who are looking forward to make an impact. Indeed a tall order . The side is studded with skilled and experienced players in Donovan, Onyewu,Howard, Dempsey, Bradly and Altidoro who have to perform exceptionally well to have any chance.
Spain ‘s best ever finish in the World Cup is the 4th position in 1950. They are a talented lot capable of striking it rich. They have a winning combination in Ferrnando Torres, a prolific goal scorer, coupled with a host of electrifying talent in Ither Casillas, Xavi and David Villa.
Pitted against Switzerland, Honduras and Chile, a good start is what they require to get the momentum going.
Netherlands has never won the World Cup and twice finished as runners-up. They had a great run in the qualifiers winning all their matches, and are a formidable side .Should they continue with their good form ,they are poised to write history. Robben, Ooijer and Mathijsen have the repertoire to lift their team to the pinnacle.
Hosts South Africa reentry into international football might not have been dramatic but they have steadily developed into a solid footballing nation as evidenced by their recent international results. They have a super star player in Steven Pienaar who can turn the tide in his team’s favor. They are one of the dark horses prepared for the challenge.
With the 2010 World Cup wide open the suspense, thrill , excitement and speculation keeps mounting by the day. Crescendo will be reached, following the opener on 11 June and football enthusiasts across the globe will be part of the June madness that is humungous and monstrous in nature.
As for me, I will have my fingers crossed and enjoy every bit of the action that unfolds.
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General Category / League Football / Shameless ANFA officials
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on: June 03, 2010, 11:45:55 AM
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Started by sushilThapa | Last post by sushilThapa
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To me the news that ANFA boss Ganesh Thapa and three others are leaving for South Africa to attend FIFA Congress and more importantly, watch a handful of World Cup matches is insignificant and irrelvant .
This something we have seen on part of the irresponsible so called office bearers ,time and time, at the expense of Nepali football.
Everybody agrees that Thapa and company are professionals when it comes to undertaking foreign jaunts. Someone need to tell me, how Nepali football has benefited by the countless conferences, meetings held around the globe and attended by our football lords.
These officials have immensely benefited personally in terms of allowances, perks and solidifying their personal status.
I understand as president of ANFA he has to under take such trips but it makes sense only if he puts Nepali football above his petty interests,which unfortunately, has not been the case.
I wonder if someone has maintained a travel log book recording Thapa and his associates' foreign trips, over the last sixteen years and expenses related to it. The air mileage combined they have put in must be earth shattering.
I guess adding up all expenses, it has cost us a handful of decent football stadiums.
What has Nepali football accomplished under Thapa led ANFA? Close to zero is the right answer.
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General Category / General Discussion / Martyr's leauge: A drab and dull affair
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on: May 25, 2010, 11:26:02 PM
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Started by sushilThapa | Last post by sushilThapa
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Martyr’s league: A low key affair
The Martyr’s league football tournament being played in Kathmandu is drawing to a close. The competition, however, is in recess at the moment and expected to resume at the earliest.
The unlikely break was inevitable due to the nation- wide indefinite bandh called by the Maoists. Nonetheless, it has provided players the much needed respite from the grind of competition that is poorly formatted.
I feel All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) is guilty of scheduling matches like a game of rapid fire putting players in jeopardy, physically and mentally. A glance at the league fixture gives the impression that the organizer is clearly in a rush to finish off the competition.
The clubs also did a right thing by demanding ANFA for more time to prepare them for the second leg that is half way through.
Agreed that a competition of this nature is extensive, expensive, tiring and time-consuming. If players are unnecessarily burdened, stretched and pressurized, danger is there for the competition to become a no show at the end of the day.
The importance of domestic league is huge and should be conducted in the most efficient and structured manner so that all parties involved benefit to the hilt. Our limitation is glaring in terms of infrastructure and finance but no sincere and serious effort has been made to tackle it on part of ANFA.
Speaking of fund, ANFA does generate substantial revenue through various avenues, which include sponsors. All along, however, they have maintained that it is paltry to support their projects, which to me is ludicrous.
With the kind of resources ANFA had and has a handful of medium size football stadiums could have been secured but they chose not to. Had they done so, it would have been a noteworthy contribution.
Hard to believe that a competition of this magnitude was put off for three long years. To surmise, Ganesh Thapa led ANFA in the last sixteen years has made themselves a laughing stock.
Going back to the league, in all fairness, its success cannot be single handedly determined by the organizer. The role of participating clubs is critical and decisive, which unfortunately is amiss. To make the league appealing, consequential, competitive and successful, clubs must step up and take necessary initiatives.
Though most clubs have been around for several decades, however, their contribution to sport sector is negligible. The matter of fact is that it has been a struggle for them because they operate sans a strong economic rationale and effective managerial strategy.
Speaking of players they have no choice but to play even if it means carrying injuries, coupled with modest remuneration. Above all the chance to represent their respective clubs in the nations so called premier league drives them to play.
Undoubtedly, they are passionate about the sport and want to make a career out of it. Also it is a golden opportunity for them to put on display their skills to captivate the attention of national selectors.
Alarmingly, little heed has been given to players’ physical conditioning and welfare. By my estimation, a good number of players are playing with injuries thus gravely risking themselves. This is a serious concern, and it is imperative that clubs bench physically unfit players and not risk them at any cost.
On the positive side, it was uplifting to see some clubs recruit foreign players, involvement of corporate houses and a bevy of young talented footballers.
That said, sports clubs must work out a reasonable long term working relationship with business houses if their top priority is football.
The first phase of the league never rose to dizzy heights in terms of quality. By and large, it was a drab and dull affair, and occasionally lesser known teams sprung a few surprises, especially surging Machhindra Club.
Defending champion Nepal Police made a slow start but bounced back to hold the top position, followed by New Road Team. So far the biggest disappointment has been Armed Police Force who are currently in the relegation zone. The other team facing relegation is Sankata.
Apart from the ordinary spectacle of football, the competition had its share of distraction in the form of match fixing, disciplinary action against aggressive club officials and players and many more.
Hopefully the second phase of the competition ends on a more positive and encouraging note.
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10
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General Category / League Football / The agony of Martyr's league
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on: April 25, 2010, 01:43:56 PM
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Started by sushilThapa | Last post by sushilThapa
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The blistering pace and fury of the ongoing Martyr's league football tournament in Kathmandu has amazed me.It is apparent that the fixture has been fixed with intentions to wrap up the tournament at the earliest,thus ignoring players' interest .
Hard to imagine that the second phase of the competition is already mid way through. One wonders, why this kind of rush on part of All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) . Organizing any sporting event, small or big, must be meaningful and well serve the purpose.
Understandably, a competition of this nature is very important but grueling, time consuming, and pose a serious threat to players, physically and mentally. The championship makes sense unless players enjoy and and fully reap the benefit.
I feel terribly sorry for players who have struggled and made to slog it out. There is no reprieve for them as they have no choice but play one match after another without or with little rest.
The organizer is guilty for turning a blind eye to the physical aspect and seems though they are less concerned of players' injury or likely injury. Should players' carry injuries, they are forced to live with it on their own expenses.
The majority of clubs are cash strapped and unable to provide insurance to players. As for players they are more than happy to play because of the opportunity to showcase their talent.
It is a fact that clubs have a big and important role to play when it comes to sports development, be it football or any other sport. However, in the context of Nepal the role of club is very limited and insignificant and we should not be expecting much from them.
Coming back to the league , it is clear that we need more play grounds. I strongly feel ANFA never gave a serious thought to it.
Had Ganesh Thapa ANFA president for the last sixteen years only risen above petty politics and vested interest, he could have acquired ground for football by now . It would have been a wonderful contribution , had he done so.
You know, I know, very well, how much money flows into ANFA, and what goes within. Forgetting not that Thapa was once charged for misappropriation of funds. It is our misfortune that we have such insincere people at the helm of power who are responsible for the sorry state of the beautiful game .
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