Football Star “Samba” Safely Returns Home from Israel Amid Conflict

Renowned striker Sabitra Bhandari, affectionately known as “Samba,” who proudly represents the Nepali national women’s football team and made waves playing professional football in Israel, has made her safe return to Nepal.

Sabitra’s homecoming took place on Wednesday night when she arrived at the Tribhuvan International Airport. She was greeted with warm embraces and applause from supporters and well-wishers, among them Suresh Shah, the spokesperson for the All Nepal Football Association.

This season, the talented striker joined the Israeli club Hapoel Raanana, marking a historic milestone as the first Nepali player to compete in the European League under the European Football Federation banner. Her journey to Europe garnered international attention and bolstered Nepal’s footballing reputation despite the nation’s geographic location in Asia.

Sabitra’s return to Nepal is primarily prompted by the ongoing suspension of domestic and international sports events in Israel, a direct consequence of the conflict with Hamas. Unfortunately, the conflict has taken the lives of ten Nepali nationals, highlighting the gravity of the situation.