Sportspeople in Nepal find it hard to sustain themselves on their passion alone. The pay they get is not nearly enough and many decide to explore other avenues – mostly abroad – to make a living. 
Shiva Shrestha, former Nepali national football team member who has played multiple international matches for the country, is one such player. He decided to abandon his star status for a job at a reputed administration company in Doha. 
The 24-year-old Shiva Shrestha hails from Pokhara – west of Kathmandu and a tourist gateway to high Himalayas. He played for Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) – the most popular football club in Nepal – in the National League as a midfielder. MMC is the most successful football club and has won the most trophies. 
After graduating from All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) Academy, he joined MMC as midfielder. During his football days, he was praised for his good judgment and anticipation. In 2014, he played a key role in winning MMC a match against the Air Force Sport Club during AFC President Club League. 
In the same year, Shrestha captained MMC against Indian Army XI at the Governor’s Gold Cup, and led his team to victory with a margin of two goals. During the same tournament, he brought victory against Sikkim. 
Shrestha also displayed his skills in Nepal’s Martyrs’ Memorial A Division League and Aaha Rara Gold Cup, frequently being picked as the best player or the best midfielder of the tournament. 
He played in multiple U-13, U-16 and U-23 tournaments before joining MMC and eventually the national team, where he played against the national teams of Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iran, Bhutan, Jordon, East Timor, Indonesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Turkmenistan and Mongolia.
Shiva was encouraged to come to Doha by a former teammate, Amir Shrestha, who had been working here for some years. He encouraged Shiva to to come to Qatar and earn some money for his family. 
His decision to come to Qatar shocked his friends, family and well-wishers. 
But Shiva is satisfied with his decision. “I don’t have any regrets,” he says, adding that family comes first. “In every step of my life, my family has always supported me, and this time too.” 
Shrestha has a five-year contract with his current company. “But football won’t leave me.” Shrestha wishes to continue to play football on a regular basis – not professionally, but to exercise. He has already played three community matches since he came to Qatar and is grateful to Sanjeev Ranabhat, president of Nepali Football Team-Qatar, for giving him opportunity to play.
Though he hasn’t decided on what to do after his contract ends, he has nothing but positive words to say about Qatar. “I am happy with my job here and thankful to Qatar for hosting me and giving me a platform to earn a decent living.”


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