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Kathmandu/Auckland – Nepal women’s national football team captain Sabitra Bhandari, popularly known as “Samba,” has appealed for financial support after sustaining a serious knee injury that requires complex surgery.

Bhandari has been sidelined for the past seven weeks due to injury. According to her statement, both the previously reconstructed ACL graft and the MCL in her knee have suffered significant damage, making another complicated surgery necessary.

She recalled that during her previous injury, treatment arrangements and financial support were managed smoothly under the leadership of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), allowing her to return to the field on time. However, she said that this time she has not received the administrative support initially promised. Although a surgery date was set through her club three weeks after the injury, the process was reportedly delayed. She stated that ANFA later informed her it would not be able to provide administrative assistance, but offered financial support of up to NPR 500,000. As a result, she now faces further delays in securing a new surgery date.

Her club has expressed willingness to arrange treatment at a local hospital in New Zealand. However, given the seriousness of the injury and her previous successful treatment at Aspetar in Qatar, Bhandari has expressed her preference to undergo surgery there again. While insurance funds from the club will be made available, the total estimated cost of surgery and 7–8 months of rehabilitation is expected to reach approximately USD 80,000, exceeding available resources.

Efforts are also being made to seek government assistance, but procedural delays have slowed progress. Bhandari emphasized that throughout her career she has overcome numerous challenges and remains determined to return stronger.

“I may be tired, but I am not defeated. I will wear the Nepal jersey again,” she said, expressing confidence in her comeback.

Supporters in Nepal can contribute through designated QR codes or bank transfers, while those abroad can assist via an online fundraising platform set up to help cover her medical expenses.