Football in Nepal
Football is the most popular sport in Nepal. All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) is the responsible body for the football development in Nepal. For a long time, football has been uniquely popular in Nepal. It has a huge core of fans.
Football was introduced by the Ranas in Nepal along with many other sports. It was more than half a century back. The then prime-minister Padam Shamsher started Ram Janaki Football tournament in 2004, B.S. with the objective of concretizing the increasing public interest in football. After the establishment of democracy in 2007 B.S., Nepal Police Force was successful to enjoy the consecutive hat-trick win of that tournament and owned the trophy. Then, the police force handed over it to Nepal Football Association for the continuation of the tournament in remembrance of Martyrs. That very trophy still exists now in the name of Martyr’s Memorial League Tournament.
There are several football clubs and ANFA has categories them as A Division, B Division and C Division clubs
The Nepal Women’s National Cricket Team is the official women’s cricket team representing Nepal in international competitions. Known for their grit, consistency, and rising star power, the team has earned a strong reputation in Asian women’s cricket, especially in the T20I format. Overview Team Name: Nepal Women’s National Cricket Team Governing Body: Cricket Association of
Boys Union Club (BUC) is a football club based in Lalitpur, Nepal, with a long history in Nepali football. Though no longer a regular contender in Nepal’s top tier, Boys Union Club is widely respected for its early contributions to the development of football in the Kathmandu Valley. The club is known for its community
Birgunj United FC is an ambitious football club representing Birgunj, Nepal’s bustling commercial city located at the southern border with India. As Nepal’s football scene expands through the Nepal Super League (NSL) and other national competitions, Birgunj United FC stands poised to bring Terai pride, urban energy, and cross-border influence to the national stage. Overview
Jhapa FC is a newly emerging professional football club from Jhapa District, one of Nepal’s most football-enthusiastic regions. Set to compete in future editions of the Nepal Super League (NSL), Jhapa FC represents the hopes, energy, and passion of the eastern plains (Terai) of Nepal — a region historically rich in football talent. Overview Full
Dhangadhi FC is a professional football franchise representing the city of Dhangadhi and the wider Sudurpashchim Province in Nepal’s top franchise competition, the Nepal Super League (NSL). Known for its passionate local backing, disciplined team structure, and rapid rise, Dhangadhi FC has quickly become one of the most respected clubs in the new era of
Butwal Lumbini FC is a professional football franchise competing in the Nepal Super League (NSL), proudly representing Butwal city and the sacred Lumbini region, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. With strong community roots and a vision for long-term football development, Butwal Lumbini FC brings new energy to Nepal’s growing franchise football ecosystem. Overview Full Name:
Pokhara Thunders is a professional football club representing Pokhara, one of Nepal’s most beautiful and touristic cities, in the Nepal Super League (NSL). Known for their exciting playing style, youth promotion, and strong connection to the tourism-driven city, Pokhara Thunders have quickly become fan favorites in Nepal’s emerging franchise football scene. Overview Full Name: Pokhara
FC Chitwan is a professional football franchise representing the Chitwan District in Nepal’s Nepal Super League (NSL). As part of the country’s first franchise-based football competition, FC Chitwan brings together local pride, youthful energy, and commercial ambition. Though still building their legacy, the club has gained attention for its passion, organization, and community roots. Overview
Kathmandu RayZRs is a high-profile football franchise representing the capital city of Nepal in the Nepal Super League (NSL). As the inaugural champions of the NSL, the RayZRs have established themselves as a benchmark for professionalism, squad depth, and brand identity in Nepali franchise football. Overview Full Name: Kathmandu RayZRs Football Club Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Lalitpur City FC is a professional football club representing Lalitpur in the Nepal Super League (NSL) — Nepal’s first-ever franchise-based football competition. As one of the original seven franchises launched in 2021, Lalitpur City FC combines youthful energy, urban flair, and a vision to modernize the football landscape in Nepal. Overview Full Name: Lalitpur City