Preeti honoured as Best Women Footballer-2081 by Young Star

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Mar. 2: Nepali national midfielder Preeti Rai has been honoured as the Best Women Footballer of 2081. She received it during the first edition by

Young Star Foundation (YSF), in coordination with Nepal Sports Journalists Forum (NSJF), on Saturday.

The newly established foundation by Mohan Chandra Singh has started the initiative to support women footballers and, as Singh said, will be increasing the support with time.

According to the organisers, Preeti was adjudged as the best player based on her performance in the ANFA Women’s League 2024/25 for the Armed Police Force (APF) Club. The club won the league.

"I did not play to the expectation of myself and fans during the First Round of the League as I had just recovered from the injury I sustained on February 29 last year. But despite my poor performance, Jibesh sir (APF's head coach) motivated me continuously and gave me chances. The fans, players and other staff also believed in me and I could recover mentally and physically and get stronger during the tournament," said Preeti Rai after receiving the award.

The award had a cash purse of Rs. 100,000. Preeti applauded the step by Young Star Foundation and stated that the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) and other stakeholders were also doing good.

"There is a state where everyone has excuses. We all must have a winning mentality. The current players are lucky as we played more than 15 international games in the last one year; the domestic league also kept us active. A tournament is going to be organised in Ilam as well. We are lucky and these steps show that the ANFA and other stakeholders have prioritised women football. The salary increase was also an additional motivation," said Preeti, adding, "Even during my injury, the ANFA looked after me completely until I recovered. Deepa Shahi and Heera Bhujel, who are currently recovering from injuries, are also receiving good care from the ANFA."

However, Preeti, the young footballing sensation who lifts the Nepali crowd whenever she touches the ball, believes there is more to achieve. 

"But more needs to be done. We should not be a hand seeking support, we must be independently strong. If women's football receives similar sponsorships to men's, it would benefit us. From my personal and players' side, we would like to assure that we will keep giving our all for this sport," said Preeti.