Soccer Star Sabitra Bhandari ‘Samba’ Honored with Prime Minister National Talent Award
Nepal’s national women’s football team star striker, Sabitra Bhandari ‘Samba,’ has been honored with the Prime Minister National Talent Award 2081.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli presented the award on Friday. Currently in France for her professional football career, Bhandari was unable to attend the ceremony to receive the award in person. Her father accepted the award on her behalf.
Bhandari was recognized for her remarkable contribution to promoting Nepal internationally through football. She holds the record as Nepal’s all-time top scorer and has brought pride to the nation through her outstanding performances in various international tournaments.
Sabitra Bhandari ‘Samba’: An Inspiring Figure in Nepali Football
Hailing from a small village in the Lamjung District, Sabitra Bhandari has achieved her childhood dreams at just 23 years of age. As a young girl, she used to play football barefoot with neighboring boys, using a ball made of socks. During that time, she dreamed of playing alongside Nepal’s star players, Anu Lama and Jamuna Gurung.
Record-Breaking Journey and Achievements
Bhandari made her international debut for Nepal in the 2014 South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship at just 17. She came off the bench in the 86th minute against Bhutan and scored her first international goal within two minutes, helping Nepal secure an 8-0 victory.
Now, at 23, Bhandari holds the record as Nepal’s all-time leading scorer, with 34 goals in 38 international appearances. She surpassed the previous records held by her idols, Anu Lama and Jamuna Gurung.
In the 2016 SAFF Championship, she emerged as the tournament’s top scorer with 12 goals, and in the 2019 edition, she again finished as a joint-top scorer with 5 goals, as Nepal reached the final. Despite a heartbreaking 3-1 loss to India in the final on home soil, Bhandari’s performances captured the attention of football enthusiasts across the region.
Professional Football Career
Bhandari’s stellar performances in Nepal paved the way for her professional career in India’s Women’s I-League. She played for Sethu FC and Gokulam Kerala FC, where she made an immediate impact. Bhandari helped Sethu FC clinch the league title and later joined Gokulam Kerala FC, where she scored 31 goals, including five hat-tricks, leading the club to another league championship.
Currently, Bhandari is playing for AS Saint-Étienne, a professional club in France, where she continues to refine her skills and gain international experience.
Injury Setback and Remarkable Comeback
Bhandari’s journey has not been without challenges. In 2021, she suffered an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury, which forced her to take a year-long break from football. However, her determination and resilience enabled her to make a strong comeback. Her ability to bounce back from such a major injury is a testament to her perseverance and dedication.
Goals and Aspirations
Bhandari’s ambition extends beyond her current achievements. She dreams of helping Nepal become champions in South Asia and pursuing a professional career in Europe.
“My primary goal is to work hard and help Nepal become South Asian champions,” Bhandari said. “At the club level, I aim to play in European leagues if the opportunity arises. Football has completely transformed my life. No one knew me back then, but now, football has become my identity. The nation believes in me, and I am ready to fulfill this responsibility.”
A Role Model and Source of Inspiration
Bhandari has become a source of inspiration for aspiring female footballers in Nepal. Her journey from a small village to international stardom reflects hard work, determination, and unwavering passion.
The Prime Minister National Talent Award, presented by the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, honors individuals who excel in various fields such as sports, arts, and literature. Bhandari’s consistent excellence in football and her role in raising Nepal’s profile on the global stage make her a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
Experts believe that Bhandari’s success has elevated the status of Nepali women’s football and continues to inspire the next generation of athletes in the country.
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