Kudos To Youth Footballers

Kudos to the youth national football team for their success at the recently concluded 9th Asian Football championship (under -16, group 5) in Kathmandu. Defying heavy odds, the Nepali outfit emerged victorious at the expense of heavyweights Uzbekistan and Turkministan, thus qualifying to the next round in Vietnam. Never before has a national team achieved success of this kind, specially at this level. How small the accomplishment might be in the eyes of local fans, but undoubtedly it is a very important breakthrough achieved by our nibble-footed countrymen. Their success speaks volumes of our potential in the game. Unfortunately, much of the talent in the country has been left unnoticed and untouched much to our chargin. Our latest success, however, indicates that we are far from finished. Hence, it is imperative that we put in our heart and soul to put football back on the right track. Though a stupendous task, but can be done provided we seriously and honestly comitt ourself to the cause. Having said so, a lot remains to be done by the football association to put the house in order. As long as people in the association continue to work for their vested interest, nothing will work no matter how much financial and technical support they muster or garner. The ongoing election controversy of All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) is unfortunate and has jeopardised the future of football once again. Under democratic norms there has to be a fair and timely election when the term of the present ANFA members end. The British coach Stephen Constantine deserves a pat on his back for his excellent job.

Sushil Thapa
Greensboro, North Carolina, USA