Politicians and actors played a friendly football match in Kathmandu yesterday to raise funds for survivors of the country’s devastating April earthquake. Artists defeated political leaders by 3-0 in the Friendship Football Match played at a stadium of the Armed Police Force (APF) headquarters in Halchowk.

The artistes' team managed to score the maiden goal at 36 minutes of the first half while the remaining two in the second half- at 39th and 40th minutes.Although the team of political leaders attempted to score the goal for dozens of times, all their efforts went in vain, resulting in nil.On the politician’s side, Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, 75, who received treatment for cancer last year, was greeted with applause for his 25-minute spell on the pitch. He was joined by opposition leader and Maoist chief Pushpa Kamal Dahal. “If everyone plays together, the country will make good progress,” Koirala said. The match started after President Ram Baran Yadav handed over a ball to the referee.


Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, UCPN (Maoist) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal, former Prime Ministers Jhalanath Khanal, Madhav Kumar Nepal and Baburam Bhattarai, former Deputy Prime Minister Bijay Kumar Gachchhadar, CPN-Maoist Chairman Mohan Baidya and other leaders played the match.Similarly, Deputy Speaker Onsari Gharti, leaders Pumpha Bhusal and Hisila Yami from political parties, while Karishma Manandhar, Deepashri Niraula, Hari Basha Acharya, Madan Krishna Shrestha, Puja Sharma, Nikhil Upreti, Saugat Malla, Deepak Raj Giri, Salon Basnet, Sitaram Kattel, Komal Oli,Priyanka Karki, Jeetu Nepal, Kedar Ghimire, Dayahang Rai,Jharna Thapa also   from the artistes' group whereas from director group Akash Adhikari, Dinesh D.C. Sudarshan Thapa, Nischal Basnet and other participated. 


After the game prome minister Sushil Koirala express his gratefulness towards Nepalese artist for their participation and support to earthquake victims. Similarly, UML Chairman KP Oli and Chairman of Madhesi People's Right Forum Bijay Kumar Ghachhedhar acknowledged Nepalese artist unceasing support. The whole football ground was crowded.Before the start of the game, mourning was observed for a minute to condole the demise of peoples who lost their lives in 'Gorkha Earthquake'. 

Editor and photo courtesy: Utsav Rasaili