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

Aashish Rai, a promising midfielder who once dreamed of wearing the Nepal national team jersey, now faces a daunting battle off the pitch following a severe knee injury sustained in a friendly match last February. The injury occurred during a game between Nepal U23 and a representative team from China at Dasharath Stadium, where Rai collided with an opponent, resulting in an unnatural twist of his left knee.

What followed the injury, according to Rai, was a distressing experience that cast doubt on his future in football. The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) initially reported that Rai suffered multiple fractures and underwent surgery, expecting him to be sidelined for at least a year. However, Rai claims the reality of his treatment was far from ANFA's public statement. He recounts being left on a stretcher for hours at Star Hospital before being transferred to B&B Hospital, where medical staff were surprised his leg had not been bandaged.

“

It was extremely painful. I do not even want to remember it. The way my treatment started and the way I have been treated in different aspects, I am devastated.

Nearly a year after the incident, Rai's struggle continues as he seeks further treatment in Bangkok. He states that his rehabilitation has stalled due to ANFA's cessation of financial assistance over a month ago. Unable to bear the costs himself, Rai has been relying on financial support from friends to cover his living expenses in Bangkok. He has managed to continue basic rehabilitation exercises he can perform independently but has had to put formal treatment on hold.

Rai, who comes from a modest family in Sunsari, has spent approximately Rs200,000 in the past month in Bangkok, funded by his friends. His journey in football began at a young age, playing in school tournaments and later at U18 level for Sankata FC, before his national team aspirations were put on hold by his injury and the subsequent challenges in receiving adequate and consistent care.

“

My friends have sent me some money, which has helped me cover my lodging and food expenses. But my treatment and rehabilitation at Bangkok Hospital have been on hold for almost a month now.