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🇳🇵 Nepal /Sports

Nepalis around the world step in to cover footballer Aashish Rai’s medical bills

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Footballer Aashish Rai is struggling with mounting medical bills in Bangkok after his injury was mishandled and official support halted following FIFA's suspension of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA).
  • Despite raising the issue in parliament, government assistance has been minimal, covering only a fraction of his monthly expenses.
  • Nepalis worldwide have stepped in to fund Rai's treatment, highlighting a stark contrast between public generosity and state indifference towards athletes injured in service of the nation.

Footballer Aashish Rai has endured over a year of silent suffering following a mishandled injury, inadequate rehabilitation, and erratic support from the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA). The situation worsened when FIFA suspended ANFA, leaving Rai stranded in Bangkok, Thailand, where he was sent for treatment, with no recourse for further assistance.

What should I make of Rs150,000?

— Aashish RaiRai expresses his dismay at the insufficient government financial aid for his treatment.

Forced to publicize his ordeal, Rai had hoped the new Balendra Shah administration would assume responsibility for his recovery, given he was injured while representing Nepal. However, more than a month after his situation was reported, state assistance has been negligible. The government has provided only Rs150,000 through the National Sports Council, a sum Rai states is insufficient to cover his monthly costs of Rs450,000 to Rs500,000 for treatment, rehabilitation, medication, and living expenses in Bangkok.

Rai's initial optimism, fueled by Balendra Shah's campaign promises to support football from the grassroots, has dissolved into deep disillusionment. Although the issue has been raised in parliament by Harka Sampang, chairman of the Shram Sanskriti Party, the state's response remains inadequate. A government representative contacted Rai, citing a lack of legal framework to send money abroad, further underscoring the bureaucratic hurdles.

The issue has also been raised in the parliament. But the state is yet to respond properly.

— Aashish RaiRai highlights that despite parliamentary attention, the government has not adequately addressed his situation.

In the face of governmental indifference, Nepalis globally have rallied to support Rai, raising funds to cover his extensive medical expenses. Contributions have poured in from Nepal, Japan, and Australia, with various football clubs organizing fundraising efforts. This overwhelming public generosity starkly contrasts with the state's perceived neglect, revealing a grim reality for Nepali athletes who are celebrated when representing the nation but left to depend on charity when injured in its service.

He said that the government did not have any law to send money abroad.

— Aashish RaiRai recounts a government representative's explanation for the lack of financial assistance for his overseas treatment.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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