He dreamed of playing for Nepal. Now he’s fighting a battle off the pitch

Aashish Rai was once a promising midfielder. Then came a devastating injury and a funding crisis, compounded by ANFA’s indifference.

Aashish Rai had spent his childhood chasing one dream—to don the Nepal national team jersey. Not even his father’s repeated attempts to hide his football boots could keep him away from the game. Then, in the 36th minute of a friendly between Nepal U23 and a representative team of China on February 15 last year, that dream suddenly appeared in jeopardy.