POKHARA, Dec 10: India has once again proved to be a hindrance for the Nepali women's football team as it won the historic third straight gold medal.
After the defeat, Nepal was only left with the silver. In the last game of the competition, Nepal lost the gold medal with a scoreline of 2-0 at the Pokhara stadium on Monday. Nepal has lost all three times to India in the women’s football final.
India, who broke the deadlock in the 18th minute of the match, ensured the win by adding another goal in the second half. AngieBaladevi put India ahead by scoring the first goal as the Nepali goalkeeper came forward to gather the ball.
Nepal had a chance to take the lead in the sixth minute of the game as HiraBhujelgave a cross to Sabitra Bhandari. Bhandari hit a shot, but the ball was punched away to safety by Indian goalkeeper Wit Bhisik.
Baladevi scored the second goal in the 55th minute to secure the win for the defending champion. India's victory over Nepal was ensured after the ball had been forged when the power shot was hit at the secondbar and went in. Likewise, the Maldives won the bronze medal after winning the third-placed playoff match against Sri Lanka earlier on the day.
Nepal grabs gold in finals of men's football under 13th South A...
Pakistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan did not participate in women's football.
Two players have retired after the final of the 13th South Asian Games. Captain NiruThapa and ManmayaLimbu, retired from women's national team. The retired athletes were awarded the DoshalaOdinga Award.
Coach Khadka resigns
Nepal national women football teams’ head coach Hari Khadka has resigned from his post following the final match defeat against India during the 13th South Asian Games match played at Pokhara Stadium’s cricket ground in Pokhara on Monday.
He cited ethical responsibilities for the reason of bowing out of his duties.
“I was not able to produce the results. Hence, on ethical grounds, want to resign from my post,” Khadka told the media after the match.
Khadka had resigned earlier in the year too after women’s team had lost to same opponent India during the South Asian Football Federation’s women football cup held in Biratnagar, Nepal. However, All Nepal Football Association re-hired the former Nepal national football player to take reigns of national women’s team.
Nepal lost 2-0 against India in the final match. Khadka said that poor finishing led Nepal to another defeat.
Niru Thapa and Man Maya Limbu retire
Nepal team’s former captain NiruThapa and Man Maya Limbu have announced their retirement from international football after the final match against India on Monday. Thapa’s last playing minutes was in stoppage time against India in the final which Nepal lost 2-0.
Both the players were awarded with certificates and farewell souvenirs for their contribution in Nepali women football.
