Unilever sponsors national women’s squad

By A Staff Reporter, Kathmandu, July 19: Unilever Nepal Limited (UNL), a personal care brand, inked a deal with the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) on Tuesday to officially sponsor the Nepali national women’s football team.

MD of UNL Amlan Mukherjee and President of ANFA Pankaj Nembang exchanged an MoU at a function held in Kathmandu. According to the deal, UNL will provide assistance of Rs. 250,000 to the women’s national squad. The deal will last for one year.

Minister for Youth and Sports Dig Bahadur Limbu was also present during the sponsorship deal.

Minister Limbu thanked UNL for the support of the women’s team. “Nepali women players are working hard to raise the name of the country with limited resources. At a time when the government is unable to provide enough support, the private sector coming ahead is highly commendable. The partnership between government and private sector is essential for the development of the sports.”

National team Captain Anjila Tumbapo Subba thanked UNL and ANFA for prioritising women’s football. 

She said such support will help to motivate new players in the sport.

Speaking at the function ANFA President Nembang said the deal with UNL ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup is historical and has energized the Nepali women’s team.  President Nembang said ANFA has planned for Nepal to qualify in the world cup either in 2027 or 2031.”

MD Mukharjee said UNL is proud to be associated with ANFA in the development of women’s football. “We will work closely with ANFA to support and promote the women’s football team in all aspects. UNL aims to contribute to the growth and success of the team and encourage the next generation of female athletes.”

Nepal’s first national team of women was formed in 1980. After six years, the women’s national team played its first international match against Hong Kong. Nepal will be participating in the 19th Asian Games to be held in China in September.

Nepal recently clinched the title of the FIFA International Women’s Friendly Series against Bangladesh.