Nepal's Passion For Global Sports

The craze of Nepalis towards cricket during the T20 World Cup in June left a great impression on the international cricket community, as such support is a rare scene for an associate nation. While the support was acceptable as the country’s team was participating in the biggest stage of T20 cricket for the second time in history, many Nepalis would have been similarly active even if Nepal had not qualified for it. It is because Nepalis have long been fond of foreign teams and athletes. Their enthusiasm transcends national boundaries, reflecting a deep appreciation for the global nature of sports.

This fondness for international sports was again visible when Nepalis avidly watched Euro 2024 and Copa America 2024. The passion for football in Nepal is palpable, with fans eagerly following their favourite international teams and players. During these tournaments, streets, cafes, and homes were abuzz with discussions and excitement over matches, showcasing the deep connection Nepali fans have with global football events. There were also a good number of Nepalis who enjoyed the Wimbledon final between Alcaraz and Djokovic, demonstrating their diverse sports interests and the broad appeal of international athletes.

Within a month, there will be many in Nepal who will stay awake at midnight to watch football matches of the Premier League, La Liga, and Champions League, among others. 

In Nepal, sports discussions span generations. You can find elderly people reminiscing about the legendary Pele and Maradona, adults who fell in love with Ronaldinho and Zidane, youths who still debate over Messi and Ronaldo, and teenagers who are wondering which new youngster to start supporting, be it Mbappe, Haaland, Yamal, Musiala, Bellingham, and many more. These intergenerational debates highlight how international sports figures have become integral to the cultural fabric of Nepali society, influencing the preferences and passions of fans across ages.

Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in the 2nd International Forum on Sport, Peace, and Development in Geneva in 2011, stated, “Sport has become a world language, a common denominator that breaks down all the walls, all the barriers. It is a worldwide industry whose practices can have a widespread impact. Most of all, it is a powerful tool for progress and development.” This quote resonates deeply with the Nepali context, where sports not only serve as entertainment but also as a unifying force, bridging diverse communities and fostering a sense of global connectedness.

The impact of international sports figures on Nepali fans is profound. As reported by The New York Times in June 2021, “Cristiano Ronaldo's removal of Coca-Cola bottles at a Euro 2020 press conference on Monday was followed by $4 billion being knocked off the company's market value.” This gesture by Ronaldo had ripple effects even in Nepal, where several friends of mine stopped drinking soft drinks like Coke, Sprite, Fanta, and Pepsi after that gesture. This incident underscores how influential international athletes can be, shaping behaviours and preferences far beyond their home countries.

I remember my +2 physics teacher, who was then in his mid-30s, saying, “We watched India’s matches on Doordarshan because it was the only foreign channel on our televisions. Our friend circle learned cricket through those matches. It is also how a majority of youngsters of our generation fell for Sachin Tendulkar more than anyone.” This anecdote highlights how exposure to foreign sports broadcasts has historically influenced Nepali fans' allegiances, shaping their love for international athletes and teams.

Nepal is also home to thousands of '90s kids who believed in rebirth while seeing The Undertaker returning from the dead and reciting John Cena’s ‘Never Give Up’ without understanding what it really meant. The influence of WWE during the '90s and early 2000s is a testament to how international sports entertainment has captivated Nepali audiences, leaving lasting impressions and creating a shared cultural experience among fans.

Ever since the Internet became common across Nepal, many stopped watching WWE, finding it scripted. Thanks to the global network, Nepali teens and youths started falling for mixed martial arts (MMA). The accessibility of international sports content online has broadened the horizons for Nepali sports fans, introducing them to new sports and athletes. Now, Nepalis are not only fans of MMA fighters like Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov; of late, many gyms and training centres have started producing MMA fighters within Nepal. This shift signifies how international sports can inspire local participation and development, foster new talents, and expand the sports landscape within the country.

The love for international sports in Nepal is multifaceted. It provides an escape, a source of inspiration, and a platform for communal bonding. Fans gather to watch matches, participate in online forums, and engage in spirited debates, all of which reflect a deep-seated passion for sports. This global connection through sports also brings a sense of belonging to the larger international community, where Nepalis can share their enthusiasm with fans from around the world.

Moreover, the impact of international sports transcends mere fandom. It influences lifestyles, cultural practices, and even consumer behaviours. From adopting the fashion styles of their favourite athletes to emulating their fitness routines, Nepali fans integrate elements of international sports culture into their daily lives. This cultural exchange enriches the local culture, bringing a blend of global influences to the Nepali way of life.

As sports continue to evolve and new athletes emerge on the international stage, the love Nepali fans have for international sports is likely to grow even stronger. The stories of these athletes, their journeys, and their achievements resonate deeply with Nepali fans, who find motivation and joy in following their careers. This enduring passion ensures that international sports will remain a significant part of Nepali culture, inspiring future generations to dream big and embrace the unifying power of sports.

In conclusion, the fervour with which Nepalis support international athletes and teams is a testament to the universal appeal of sports. Despite the geographical and cultural distances, sports create a common ground where fans can connect, celebrate, and find inspiration. The love for international sports in Nepal is not just about following games; it's about being part of a global community, sharing in the triumphs and tribulations of athletes, and experiencing the unifying magic of sports. This passion reflects a broader trend of globalisation, where cultural boundaries are blurred and shared human experiences come to the forefront. Nevertheless, one thing is certain: Nepalis love foreign clubs, teams, and athletes because they play the respective sport in the best way the world knows so far. 

(The author is a sports journalist at The Rising Nepal.)