Kathmandu, March 28 Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa bade farewell to the national futsal team leaving today for Argentina to play the Futsal World Cup. The Minister wished the team success at an event held at the minister’s official residence in Pulchowk today.
On the occasion, Minister Thapa said it was an opportunity and a matter of happiness for the country to participate in the futsal world cup. “The government is focused on the development of sports infrastructure and career development of athletes,” he said.
A futsal national team was announced on Wednesday after the country received a wild card from the International Futsal Federation to take part in the world cup.
The team includes captain Samir Karki, Dipendra Rasaili, Bardan Lama, Dinesh Shrestha, Bishal Thapa, Sujan Balami, Sahil Rana, Raju Budhathoki, Anup Rana, Gaurab Shrestha, Sanjib Tamang and Grijesh Man Shrestha. Coach is Kamal Bista.
Placed into Group D alongside Canada, Spain and France, it will take on Canada on April 1 in its first match. Likewise, it will face Spain on April 2 and will play its final match against France on April 3. Two winning teams from each group will enter quarterfinals.