The Weight of Dreams: Subash Bam’s rise in Nepali football

Kathmandu, Jan. 5: Teenager Subash Bam rose to prominence in 2022 when he scored the decisive third goal in Nepal's 3-1 victory over India in the SAFF U-17 Championship. The following year, he captained the U-16 team to the SAFF Championship in Bhutan. In 2024, Subash's career soared as he led the U-17 side to the SAFF Championship and AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers in Bhutan and Qatar respectively.

Versatile on the field, he plays as a winger, striker, or attacking midfielder, always contributing to his team's goal tally. His impressive stats in national leagues highlight his reliability as a goal scorer.

In 2024, Subash Bam shone in two major national leagues organised by the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) for Nepal Police Club: the U-16 Youth League and the Lalit Shrestha Memorial U-18 Youth League.

In the U-16 Youth League (July 2023–February 2024), Subash was the second-highest goal scorer with 14 goals in 13 matches, just behind Sankata FC’s Sabin Magar, who scored 17 in 15 games. Nepal Police Club's U16 team finished fifth in the league.

But, as captain of the U-18 team in the Lalit Memorial U-18 Youth League (July–December 2024), Subash led his side to the title, scoring 23 goals in 21 games and finishing as the league’s top scorer.

"I'm passionate about scoring goals. Winning the league with NPC was a great achievement, and 2024 was an unforgettable year as I also had the honour of representing my country in the SAFF and AFC tournaments," said Subash.

Carrying dreams of many

A day after the New Year’s Day of 2025, on Thursday, Subash, who looked attentive on the field during the U-18 League, seemed relieved; mostly because he lifted the trophy with NPC two days ago on December 31 and ended 2024 on a high. 

But it was not the only reason. “I returned to my two brothers in Maitidevi after the league concluded. I feel blessed with them because I am playing football because of them, and also for them,” Subash told The Rising Nepal with a radiant smile.

Subash is the third and youngest child of father Hem Raj Bam and mother Himsoba Bam. He was born in Sanni Triveni Rural Municipality in Kalikot district, but his early childhood passed in Birendranagar, Surkhet, where his father worked, and is still working, as a government employee.

At just five years old, Subash Bam moved to Kathmandu with his two elder brothers, Santosh and Binod, for their studies. “I started playing football watching my brothers play with so much passion,” Subash recalls. “I remember how we'd pack our kits at night and head to Tundikhel by 4 a.m. on holidays—those were unforgettable times."

Playing alongside his skilled brothers, Subash quickly became a standout, impressing spectators with his talent. 

By Grade 1, he was already a rising football star at Tripura Secondary School in Kalimati, earning the nickname 'Bam ko sano vai' (little brother of the Bams), a title he cherished.

In Grade 2, Subash was selected for his school team, playing alongside older students, for a football tournament organised by Bagmati Boarding Secondary School in Sukedhara. "That tournament was a turning point in my life," Subash said. "I was named Player of the Tournament, scored several goals, and helped my school win its first-ever football trophy, even though we finished third. After that, my brothers pushed me further into football."

While football was thriving for Subash in Kathmandu, the April 2015 earthquake prompted his parents to bring him back to Surkhet. But Subash didn't leave his passion for the sport behind. "Cricket was more popular in Surkhet, and for the first six or seven months, I didn't get to play much. But then a school-level futsal tournament was organised, and I was back on the field," he says.

Subash fondly remembers scoring eight goals in his first game of the tournament. His school, now Suryodaya Boarding School, finished third, earning a makeshift football ground and a junior team. "Extracurricular Incharge Anish Pant was a huge help during those days," Subash recalls.

He also credits Sudip Gurung, a national football player from Surkhet and a playing partner, for guiding him to SKY Club, a local football team that played a key role in his development.

Subash's football journey progressed steadily, but for his brothers, it was a different story. "They gave up their football dreams for me," Subash says, his eyes filled with determination. "Only one of us could play full-time, so they chose family over passion, entrusting me with their dreams."

Then, a pivotal moment in Subash’s pursuit of representing Nepal came on June 3, 2019, when the final list of 50 U13 players selected for the ANFA Academy was announced. The list included 25 players for each of the Butwal and Dharan academies.

“I joined the Butwal-based ANFA Academy in Grade 7, and I was thrilled by the opportunity,” Subash recalls. "My brothers encouraged me, saying it was a chance to grow with the best footballers my age from across the country."

Subash’s commitment to football pushed him to train extra hours at the Academy, waking up early to hone his skills. However, his journey faced another setback when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the suspension of physical classes and training in Butwal. He returned to Surkhet but used the lockdown to his advantage. 

"I focused on improving my footwork and juggling on my house terrace, with my mother helping me. I set a personal best of 1,600 juggles," Subash shared. "When the restrictions were lifted, I returned to Butwal and resumed my Academy training."

When in Grade 9, Subash traveled from Butwal to Kathmandu for a trial with the national U-17 team. Initially overlooked, he was eventually called up when other players dropped out. The rest, as they say, is history.

From dreaming of representing Nepal to wearing the national jersey in 2022 and captaining the U-17 team in 2024, Subash reflects on how the weight of his responsibility has grown. 

"I feel lucky to have my family's support because I've seen many of my peers with great potential leave football," he says. "I know I’m carrying not only their dreams but also the dreams of six children from the Makwanpur-based ANFA Academy who tragically died in a landslide in September 2024."

Subash also dedicates his success to his late senior, Nishan Neupane, who died in a scooter accident. "I scored my U18 League goal against Khumaltar FC on December 13 last year for Nishan," Subash recalls. "I hadn’t scored in a few matches, but I knew he’d be mad if I didn’t move on stronger. It was my way of honouring him."

Subash’s favourites

Subash loves playing as a winger, particularly along the left flank, where he can dribble past defenders. He draws inspiration from Brazilian legends like Neymar, Ronaldinho, Vinicius, and Rodrygo. "I also admire players like Sabitra Bhandari (Samba), Rohit Chand, and Kiran Chemjong. Their passion for the country and football fuels my own ambition," Subash shared.

Though he has scored many goals, Subash holds his goals against India as the most special. Of his three international goals for Nepal’s youth teams, two came against India, with the other against Sri Lanka. 

"There’s a unique rivalry with India in football. A goal against them always feels the best," Subash says, adding, "There have been times I’ve cried, either tears of joy or sorrow, in the national jersey."

When asked about his best performance for Nepal, Subash recalls the October 24, 2024, match against Japan in the Asian Qualifiers. Nepal took the lead with an assist from Subash, the captain, in the 12th minute, but ultimately lost 9-2. 

"Playing against Japan was an eye-opener. Despite being the same age, they were on a whole different level. We lost, but the game motivated me to train harder because the outside world is far tougher than it seems," Subash said, determined to improve.

Currently studying Management in Grade 12 at Galaxy Public School, Subash said that he also likes reading books. “I am also a fan of series like Vikings and Peaky Blinders.”

Expectations of an aspirant

Subash firmly believes that there is no shortage of football talent across Nepal but is disheartened by the slow progress of the sport in the country. "I’m often asked to quit football because many talented players, including senior national players, are leaving due to a lack of opportunities," he shared. "I want to break this stereotype and show that football can be a profession in Nepal. Samba has shown what's possible for Nepali footballers—we need to explore those possibilities."

Subash emphasises that Nepal's football should not fall behind cricket. "I was, in a positive way, jealous of the Nepal Premier League and the rise of Nepali cricket. There’s no reason why football can’t reach the same level of success," he said.

Having made friends across Asia through his international matches, Subash was particularly disappointed with the contrast in facilities available to emerging players in countries like Bangladesh and Bhutan. "If Nepal’s young players aren’t provided with advanced training and proper facilities, they won’t be a challenge to our South Asian neighbors," he warned. "We need to act now. I have high hopes for 2025."