Football power unleashed against domestic violence

The match was organised with the campaign slogan “Our Goal: End Violence Against Women” to promote the ongoing campaign and take it forward to the general public and raise mass awareness on the issue.

Saathi is one of several implementing partners of Dream Asia which is the AFC’s platform to mobilise the power of football to serve greater social causes such as unity, peace and solidarity. 

President of the All Nepal Football Association Ganesh Thapa, former Inspector-General of Police Achyut Kharel, former Minister Kamal Thapa and other famous former national players supported the cause and played for the Nepal side.

The India sides were represented by veterans from West Bengal and members of the world’s second oldest club Calcutta Cricket and Football Club.

The event garnered nearly 5,000 people from all walks of life to the venue.

Saathi President Bandana Rana gave a background of the campaign and its objective to promote gender equality and reduce violence against women through football.

“We want our footballers, our heroes, of today and yesteryears supporting the cause and encouraging the youngsters to take the lead to take this campaign forward.

“So among the players we believe we have gained more models not only in Nepal but also India”, she said.

Achyut Kharel, captain of the Nepal team, has expressed his happiness to be a part of the campaign and stressed on the need to further take this campaign to the grassroots level as well. 

Noomi Mehta, the India team skipper, believes that all human beings are equal irrespective of their gender and that no violence or discrimination should be done on the basis of one’s gender.

He further expressed his excitement to be provided an opportunity to play for the noble cause.

The match which was played for 70 minutes in three periods ended with Nepal defeating the visitors with a 3-2 win.