Sabitra Bhandari becomes the First Nepali Player in a European League
In a groundbreaking move for Nepali football, Sabitra Bhandari, the two-time top goalscorer of the Indian Women’s League (IWL), has secured a dream switch to Israeli club Hapoel Ra’anana AFC for the upcoming 2023-24 season. This historic signing not only marks a significant milestone in Bhandari’s career but also makes her the first footballer from Nepal to play in a European league.
Let’s take a look into the details of this remarkable achievement and what it means for Nepali and Asian football: Sabitra Bhandari
The First Nepali in a European League
Sabitra Bhandari’s signing with Hapoel Ra’anana AFC is a momentous occasion for Nepali football. As the first-ever Nepali player to compete in a European league, Bhandari’s achievement opens new doors for aspiring footballers from Nepal and showcases the talent and potential of the region on the international stage.
Fulfilling a Long-standing Dream
Bhandari, widely recognized as one of the best forwards in South Asia, has harbored a dream of playing in a European league for a long time. Her hard work, exceptional skills, and impressive goal-scoring prowess have finally culminated in this opportunity, leaving her exhilarated and eager to embark on this new chapter in her career.
Stellar Performances and Track Record
Having represented the Nepal National team and playing for prominent clubs like Gokulam Kerala FC and Sethu FC in the Indian Women’s League, Bhandari boasts an impressive track record. She has emerged victorious in three editions of the IWL and has clinched the Top Scorer award multiple times. Bhandari’s recent triumph with Gokulam Kerala, where she scored an outstanding 29 goals, solidified her reputation as one of the most formidable strikers in the region.
Hapoel Ra’anana AFC: A Club Committed to Women’s Football
Hapoel Ra’anana AFC has been actively involved in promoting women’s football in Israel. The club operates a youth women’s football club and established a women’s team in 2016, which quickly secured a promotion to the top division of Israeli women’s football. This signing signifies Hapoel Ra’anana AFC’s commitment to nurturing young talent and strengthening women’s football in Israel.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Sabitra Bhandari’s remarkable journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring footballers in Nepal and South Asia. Her breakthrough into a European league showcases that talent and determination can transcend borders. Bhandari’s success paves the way for other players from traditionally underrepresented regions to strive for their dreams relentlessly and seize opportunities to play in top leagues worldwide.
With her historic signing for Hapoel Ra’anana AFC, Sabitra Bhandari becomes the trailblazer for Nepali football in European leagues. This achievement not only elevates her career but also shines a spotlight on the talent and potential of Nepali football on the global stage. As Bhandari prepares to represent her new club, her journey will undoubtedly inspire countless aspiring footballers to pursue their dreams and make their mark in the world of football.
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