Manmati Bista is the captain of the Nepal National Women’s Kabaddi Team. She was a key member of the team when Nepal won the silver medal at the 13th South Asian Games held on home soil.

In 2023, at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, she helped secure a bronze medal in women’s kabaddi, a sport where medals have rarely come for Nepal.

In a festive-season shopping conversation, Manmati shared:

Besides your kabaddi jersey, which outfit do you like?

Jeans and a T-shirt.

What new clothes did you buy for Dashain?

I bought a pair of shoes. I didn’t buy anything else this year since I won’t be going home (to the Far-Western region).

How much do you usually spend on shopping?

Around Rs 7,000 to 10,000 per month.

How much bargaining do you do?

I bargain strictly. I can reduce the price of a 1,000-rupee item to around 750. Otherwise, I leave it.

Do fans ever not recognize you when you’re not wearing your jersey?

Yes, many times. When people meet me casually, they don’t recognize me immediately. Only after introductions do they say, “Oh, you’re a kabaddi player, right?”

Do you change clothes just to make social media reels?

Yes, sometimes I change outfits specifically for TikTok.

In your view, which actress has the best fashion sense?

Aanchal Sharma. Her style is attractive and natural; whatever she wears suits her perfectly.