Kaski, Nepal – In an inspiring move to promote gender equality and empower girls through sports, a scheme aimed at facilitating girls’ participation in football has been relaunched in the Kaski region. The initiative, previously halted due to financial constraints, will once again provide girls with the opportunity to play football and receive training, building on the legacy of the 2022 World Cup.
Seven years ago, a state-of-the-art pitch was constructed at Bhandardik, equipped with spectator stands, a futsal area, and separate changing rooms for boys and girls. The project was realized by the Generation Amazing Foundation, a Qatar-based initiative dedicated to improving the lives of individuals from underprivileged communities worldwide by promoting sports engagement.
The establishment of the pitch in 2016 was transformative for girls residing in the area, as it enabled them not only to engage in football but also to participate in training sessions and mini-tournaments. However, the Generation Amazing (GA) program was implemented alongside the local Adarsh Youth Club (AYC), which initially welcomed both boys and girls but later transitioned to an exclusive focus on boys’ football.
Fortunately, the AYC has committed to reinstating girls’ access to the pitch and actively involving them in football activities. Padam Gurung, representing the Adarsh Youth Club, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “We had many girls’ empowerment programs with the help of Generation Amazing and a football pitch for girls. Unfortunately, due to economic challenges, we were unable to continue those programs. However, our club remains in touch with the schoolgirls who received training through the Generation Amazing football pitch program. They are eager to receive further training, and our club plans to make that happen. We are determined to continue girls’ football training in the days ahead.”
This initiative aligns with the growing interest in girls’ football across Nepal, fueled by the country’s success in the 2022 SAFF Women’s Championship, where over 15,700 spectators gathered at Kathmandu’s Dasharath Rangasala to witness the final match against Bangladesh.
Girls have historically faced barriers to sports participation, as societal expectations often limit their roles to caretaking and marriage. The reintroduction of girls’ football at Bhandardik has been welcomed by former youth ambassador Ajit Ojha, who initially engaged with the AYC and GA during disaster risk reduction training following the devastating 2015 earthquake in Nepal.
Since the construction of the pitches at Bhandardik, Makawanpur, and Kailali in 2016, the Generation Amazing project has gained momentum. Ajit Ojha expressed his pride, stating, “Whenever I see a jersey with Generation Amazing’s name printed on it, I can feel the change it brought. It was an emotional experience for the youth in my community. Football3 training became inclusive of female players, enabling my sister to participate. Gradually, girls from the city began playing football for the first time. When we ask them who allowed them to play, they respond, ‘Generation Amazing.'”
Ajit also highlighted the distribution of sports equipment, such as balls, gloves, and jerseys, to schools, fostering play and facilitating sports development. He shared personal stories of how engaging in football positively transformed the lives of his friends, who previously struggled with issues related to smoking and alcoholism. Through regular training sessions and tournaments, sport instilled discipline and kept them away from detrimental habits.
Additionally, Ajit initiated a program for the local deaf school, ensuring that all children, regardless of their abilities, had the opportunity to partake in football. His efforts were recognized when he joined a delegation of Nepal ambassadors to attend the Generation Amazing festival in Qatar in 2019, which coincided with the Club World Cup.
Since Ajit’s return to Nepal, he noticed a gradual decline in the Generation Amazing programs as the AYC assumed control of the pitch. Nevertheless, he wholeheartedly celebrates the AYC’s decision to reopen the facilities to girls, envisioning a vibrant ground filled with children from diverse communities.
The revival of the girls’ football scheme in Kaski not only reflects a commitment to inclusivity but also signifies the profound impact that sports can have on individuals and communities. It is a testament to the transformative power of initiatives like Generation Amazing and serves as an inspiration for other regions to prioritize girls’ participation in sports.
About Anthony Harwood: Anthony Harwood is a former foreign editor of the Daily Mail and an ardent supporter of initiatives that promote youth empowerment and social change through sports.
Pix:
- Girls and boys team photo at the Generation Amazing pitch.
- Girls and boys participating in a training session at the pitch.
- Generation Amazing youth ambassador Ajit Ojha.
- Ajit Ojha with other Generation Amazing players.
- Ajit Ojha photo-bombing a selfie of former Nepal player Jeevan Sinkemana and ex-Liverpool player Steve McManaman.
- Girl from Siddhivinayak Boarding School celebrating victory with a football trophy.
- Mr. Padam Gurung.
