Saturday, November 9

Sabitra Bhandari to return home on Tuesday after treatment in Qatar

By a Staff Reproter

Kathmandu – Nepal’s prolific footballer Sabitra Bhandari is all set to return home from Qatar on Tuesday following a knee-surgery and post-operation treatment in the Gulf nation.

Bhandari, who used to be a prominent member of the national women’s football team of Nepal and also a key forward of APF Sports Club, is returning home after more than seven months of treatment.

She had visited Qatar on June 26 for the treatment. She underwent a surgery of right knee at Aspetar Hospital in Doha, Qatar on July 15. She received treatment with the support from Qatar Football Association upon request from the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA).

Sabitra informed that she is ready to return home after the doctors announced her condition to be normal following a test on Sunday. “The doctors said everything is normal. Now, I will remain in grounded in rehab for some week after I return back,” said Bhandari, who is the highest goal scorer for the national team.

“I will train alone in the beginning and then start training with team members later. I have been told here how to practice,” she added.

She was injured during a match of the National League almost a year ago. It was the first time in her eight-year playing career that Bhandari sustained such grave injury.

Qatar Football Association has been helping in the treatment of Nepali footballers from time to time. Prior to this, footballer of the national men’s football team Bimal Gharti Magar had also received treatment at the same hospital with the help of Qatar Football Association.

Sabitra Bhandari has scored a record 38 goals for the national women’s football team. She is not only the best forward of Nepal but one of the best in South Asia. While helping her club APF dominate the domestic league and other matches, she also managed to play for two different clubs of Indian League (I League). Both the clubs she played with were crowned the league champions in India. Bhandari had helped I League side Gokulmalai clinch the league title last season. She was the highest goal scorer of the league last year.

Bhandari is hopeful of returning back to action soon.

“I received good treatment. But the coming days will be challenging for me. However, I am mentally prepared for it,” said Bhandari.

“I would like to thank everyone who helped me during this difficult situation.”

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