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🇳🇵 Nepal /Culture & Society

The boy who never stopped juggling

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Ufuun Moktan Tamang, a Nepali football freestyler, competed in the Asia-Pacific Freestyle Football Championship in Cambodia, aiming to qualify for the World Championship.
  • Despite not advancing, Tamang gained valuable experience and met his inspirations, including the male champion Jay Hennicke and female champion Moe-K.
  • Tamang, who dreams of representing Nepal internationally, overcame a difficult childhood and a knee injury to pursue his passion, supported by his family and scholarships.

Ufuun Moktan Tamang, a Nepali football freestyler, recently competed in the Asia-Pacific Freestyle Football Championship in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He was the first Nepali to participate in the event, which served as a qualifier for the World Freestyle Football Championship. Tamang was among 32 male freestylers and was placed in Circle 7 with three Japanese competitors.

I could not reach the next stage as other participants were far better. But it was a huge opportunity. I got to meet and freestyle with those who were my inspirations.

— Ufuun Moktan TamangTamang reflected on his experience at the Asia-Pacific Freestyle Football Championship and meeting his inspirations.

While Tamang did not advance to the next stage, he described the experience as a "huge opportunity" to meet and freestyle with his inspirations, including Australian Jay Hennicke and Japanese freestylers Moe-K and Mai Yasutake. Hennicke won the men's championship, and Moe-K won the women's. Tamang finished fourth in his circle with 21 points, noting that Mai Yasutake, who participated on crutches, still finished third.

As Messi and Ronaldo shared a healthy competition, my brother and I were also competitive. If it were not for my brother, I am not sure if I could have reached this stage.

— Ufuun Moktan TamangTamang spoke about the competitive spirit he shared with his brother, Suraj, which helped him improve his football skills.

Tamang's journey to freestyle football is marked by challenges. He grew up in poverty in Kathmandu with his mother and siblings, who supported him through difficult times. His mother, Tara Devi Tamang, worked hard to provide for the family. "We were poor. Our mother did everything she could to support three children," he recalled.

Mai, on the other hand, had come to participate in crutches. And she finished third. There were too many things to learn from the way experienced freestylers lived, trained and showcased their skills.

— Ufuun Moktan TamangTamang shared an anecdote about Mai Yasutake's performance at the championship, highlighting the dedication of experienced freestylers.

Originally dreaming of becoming a professional footballer, Tamang's aspirations were hampered by limited opportunities, resources, and a troubled knee. However, his passion for football led him to freestyle. He has been playing football since childhood at the Sifal ground with his older brother, Suraj Tamang, who also inspired him. Tamang is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree under a full scholarship, reflecting his dedication to education alongside his athletic pursuits.

We were poor. Our mother did everything she could to support three children.

— Ufuun Moktan TamangTamang described his family's financial struggles during his upbringing.
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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