Subas Humagain, Kathmandu
Nepali Women’s National Team Midfielder Dipa Shahi has signed for India’s top division club Lord’s Football Academy. The sought after midfielder was signed by the newly promoted club for the duration of Indian Women’s League 2023.
Dipa was one of the top performers in the SAFF Women’s Championship held in Nepal in August. She starred in Nepal’s win over India in the semi-finals of the premiere South Asian tournament. From that game, all eyes were on her. She signed for the club via Bangalore-based Aleph Sports Management.
Previously, Sabitra Bhandari and Anita Basnet have played in the Indian top division from Nepal. Sabitra won the league with Sethu FC and Gokulam Kerala whereas Anita won the league from Sethu when they were together. Sabitra has already signed for Gokulam as the team is on attempt to make it three wins in a row.
For the new season, Gita Rana, Angela Tumbapo Subba and Saru Limbu were signed by Sethu, but they could not play in the league as the previous date was shifted. The All India Football Federation (AIFF), the apex body of the Indian football has scheduled the league to begin in April 25. The participating 16 clubs have been divided into two groups of 8. The top 4 teams from each group will play in Knockout phase.
Dipa was happy to sign her first professional contract away from Nepal. ‘There is a very happy moment for me. I will try my best to make most of this opportunity. I feel I can do much more than this,’ she said.
Dipa debuted in national level football only 18 months ago. Her influence while debuting in the deputy mayor’s women’s league in Kathmandu caught eyes of top clubs and coaches. After that, she played in the SAFF U-18 Championship. Soon after she earned senior call-up after starring for Tribhuwan Army Football Club in the women’s league.
Dipa was in the starting XI for Nepal in all matches of SAFF Championship. She was seen in a box to box role handling the center midfield. Dipa has played in attacking roles with age groups and domestic matches. With her high performance, Nepal made it to the second stage of Women’s U-20 Asian Cup.
Dipa’s career has seen exponential growth in short time. After just a year and a half in the highest level, she has set her journey to the foreign leagues. Dipa will be part of Nepalese team facing Vietnam in the first match of the Olympic qualifiers on Wednesday.
