KATHMANDU, Nov 16: Nepal national football team who clinched the title of AFC Solidarity Cup, the first official international title in 23 years, received a heroic welcome upon their arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) on Wednesday night.
Nepal had defeated Macau 1-0 in the final held in Kuching, Malaysia on Tuesday.
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The team that landed at the airport was recieved by Minister of Sports Daljeet Sripali, Member Secretary of National Sports Council Keshav Kumar Bista, Acting ANFA President Mani Kunwar and other top ANFA officials.
Braving the chilling cold, hundreds of enthusiastic football fans had also gathered at the airport to welcome their heroes. Similarly, the footballers of ANFA academy as well as the member of the women's national team were also there to welcome the team.
Besides offering garlands and bouquet, the team was welcomed amid fanfare and traditional music. The team was carried in two trucks of Nepal Army decorated with garlands and was taken around the city.
The players were then taken to a victory parade from the airport to Dasharath Stadium to Gaushala, Battisputali, Maitidevi, Putalisadak, Ghantaghar, Sahid Gate, New Road, Durbar Marg, Tripureshwor, Thapathali, Kupandole, Pulchowk, Mangal Bazar, Gwarko and ended at ANFA Complex.
The government has already announced a cash reward of Rs 300,000 each to the team members.
