Kathmandu, May 2 – Nepal’s top women footballers are facing an unsustainable workload due to a packed tournament schedule, raising serious concerns about player welfare and long-term development.

In just over a month, players have been asked to compete in four major tournaments—Ilam Gold Cup, Chitwan Championship, Lumbini Cup, and most recently, the Nuwakot Cup. The relentless pace is taking a toll. Midfielder Preeti Rai was stretchered off the field during the national tournament in Nuwakot, a worrying sign of fatigue-induced injuries.

The problem runs deeper than a congested calendar. Most national team players are also part of departmental teams, where prestige battles fuel an all-costs drive for victory. With pride and reputation on the line, clubs often push players hard, sometimes overlooking the need for proper rest and recovery.

As Nepal sets its sights on playing in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in the next decade, experts and fans alike are urging the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) to rethink its approach. Instead of endorsing back-to-back tournaments, ANFA must coordinate more carefully with organizers to safeguard players’ physical and mental health.

“The focus must shift from quantity to quality,” say voices close to the national setup. "We need better planning, long-term player development, and structured rest periods—not just crammed fixtures."

Photo screeshot from Dabalikhabar.