Roshanraj Pant has become the Nepali referee to be officially recognized by the Malta Football Association (MFA). At 36 years old, Pant, originally from Kathmandu, has reached a significant milestone in his career, qualifying to officiate matches in Malta’s domestic football leagues.
Pant's journey into football has been both unique and inspiring. His interest in the sport began after completing his School Leaving Certificate (SLC), when he started playing under the guidance of coach Hari Khadka at Xavier International College. It was there that he scored his first goal, an experience that sparked his love for the game. However, his playing career did not achieve the success he had hoped for, especially during his stint with the Armed Police Force club between 2068/70.
Despite the setbacks, Pant’s passion for football never waned. After a brief break from playing, he transitioned to a role as a sports teacher at Kanjirova College, but it was his involvement in futsal that truly propelled him forward. Pant’s futsal career was highly successful, with more than 50 inter-school trophies to his name, as well as an individual futsal title and the coveted Best Player award.
In 2018, Pant made the decision to take a break from football and embark on international travels that would eventually take him to Portugal, Germany, and ultimately back to Nepal. After returning, he became involved in futsal coaching and began officiating, which would set the stage for his groundbreaking achievement in Malta.
Upon arriving in Malta, Pant enrolled in the Football Referee Course, passing the required exam to become an accredited referee. His recognition by the MFA marks the first time a Nepali has achieved such an honor.
Pant is currently active as a referee in matches ranging from U-11 to the Senior League in Malta.
Reflecting on his journey, Pant shared, "If Nepal had the same strong structure and support for football that Malta has, there would be no need for us to go abroad. However, it is a privilege for me to be involved in football even after coming abroad."
In his efforts to further the development of football in Nepal, Pant emphasized the importance of building a strong foundation from the grassroots level. His commitment to the sport and his achievements serve as a source of inspiration for many, proving that with determination and passion, boundaries can be broken and new opportunities created.
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