IN THE GROOVE: Milan Lama was well received by the audience.
A friendly football match between Nepal and Philippines attracted a large number of people at Al Arabi Sports Club on Friday. A number of Nepalese folk stars also performed songs on the occasion, giving people some much-needed entertainment.
Khem Tiwari from Sanaiya, Binod Sharma from Al Khor, Govinda Khadka from Al Rayyan, and Arjun Prasad Gotame from Homeside were some of the people who performed at the event, which also marked the Nepali new year.
Narishwor Poudel, who came from Maijar to watch the match, appreciated the opportunity to enjoy Nepal’s folk culture and music, all for free. “Dancing and singing in a faraway land combined with the spirit of game. When would such an opportunity appear again?”
Milan Newar Amatya, a famous Nepali singer, performed her song Asai Ko Gulabi Le (The roses of hope), drawing an enthusiastic response from the audience. Her performance left the audience clattering for more, going “once more, once more”.
During her formance, Amatya said, “I am happy to get love from the Nepalese people. To perform amid this grand programme [makes me proud].”
Milan Lama, another famous folk singer from Nepal, was also well received by the audience. Among the songs he performed was Majhi Dai (fisherman brother). Lama said, “It’s my seventh visit to Qatar. But I have seen such a large crowd for the first time.”
Prem Raja Mahat, another prominent folk singer flown in from America, found the game “exciting”. He said, “I am really happy to sing my 20-year-old songs to the Nepali people here. When I came here, I really saw a deep love for Nepalese people and their culture from the government of Qatar.”
Acting Ambassador of Nepal Ganesh Prashad Dhakal said, “The football game has inspired the players to [do better]. I want to appreciate the efforts of the government of Qatar. It has shown its interest for enhancing bilateral relations as well as for the wellbeing of different nationalities and their culture.”
Lok Raj Tiwari, a football fan, said, “I came to Qatar to share the happiness of the upcoming new year with Nepalese people. I think the [Nepali] government should [do more] to improve the level of football in Nepal.”
Surendra Shrestha, an engineer who has spent 20 years in Qatar, came to watch the match with his family. He said, “I can find many of my friends over here. It is a rare opportunity [for us to get together].”
The Nepalese team (ranked 159) lost to the higher-ranked Philippines (ranked 121) by three goals to nil. Lalit Krishana, the team manager, said, “Our team tried until the end. We learn from this match. Our players need more [practice].”
Sagar Thapa, the Nepali captain, said the fans should not lose heart. He said, “This match should be taken as training as we are working for the target of SAFF 2015. I think the [government of Nepal] must make a clear policy to [develop] football [in Nepal].” — Photos and text: Usha Wagle Gautam
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POPULAR DEMAND: Milan Newar Amatya sings her famous Asai Ko Gulabi Le at the match.