Sabitra Bhandari, known as ‘Samba’, is Nepal’s women’s national football captain and all-time leading goal scorer. She suffered a severe knee injury on January 3, 2026, during her Wellington Phoenix debut in the A-League Women, rupturing her previous ACL graft and damaging her MCL. Sidelined for 7 weeks, she needs complex revision surgery at Aspetar Hospital in Qatar (her preferred choice after prior success) plus 7-8 months rehab, estimated at USD 80,000. With limited ANFA support (only up to Rs 500,000 offered) and partial club insurance, she publicly appealed for donations via Facebook and Givealittle fundraiser (raised around NZ$5,674 so far from 108 donors).

What exactly happened to Sabitra Bhandari’s knee?

She reinjured her right knee in a collision during a match against Brisbane Roar. An MRI showed rupture of the ACL graft from her 2021 surgery and severe MCL damage, requiring complex revision surgery and 7-8 months of intensive rehabilitation, with full recovery expected in 9-12 months.

Why is she appealing for public funds now?

Previously, ANFA fully supported her 2021 ACL surgery, enabling a quick return. This time, despite promises that delayed her club’s local New Zealand plan, ANFA provided no administrative help and only offered Rs 500,000 cash. Club insurance covers part, but it is insufficient for her preferred Aspetar treatment and extended rehab.

What is the total estimated cost and preferred treatment location?

The preliminary estimate for surgery plus 7-8 months rehabilitation is USD 80,000 (about Rs 11 million). She wants treatment at Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital in Qatar for its world-class expertise, as it successfully handled her previous injury.

How has ANFA responded to her situation?

Last week, the ANFA president told her they could not provide administrative support and limited help to Rs 500,000 cash, urging her to manage the rest herself. This contrasts with full prior assistance and has left her frustrated, feeling abandoned by the federation she views as a guardian.

What support is available from her club?

Wellington Phoenix is ready to arrange local treatment in New Zealand and release insurance funds. However, Samba prefers Aspetar’s higher standard, and the insurance amount falls short of the full USD 80,000 needed for surgery and long-term rehab.

How can people donate to help her?

Nepal-based supporters can use QR codes or bank details from her Facebook post. Internationals can donate via the Givealittle fundraiser: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/support-sambas-surgery-stand-with-sabitra (goal around USD 135,000 equivalent, already raised NZ$5,674 from 108 donors as of February 23, 2026).

Why does this highlight broader issues in Nepali sports?

It exposes gaps in athlete welfare, inconsistent federation and government support for injuries, and underfunding despite women’s football outperforming men’s. Even a star like Samba, who has given 100% for Nepal globally, faces financial hardship and delays.

What is Nepal’s government doing for sports funding overall?

The Ministry of Youth and Sports received a record Rs 6.08 billion for 2025/26, including infrastructure like stadiums in Jhapa and TU cricket upgrades (Rs 400 million). Yet implementation lags, and individual athlete injury support remains inadequate.

How has Samba described her mindset in this crisis?

She called it her toughest battle: “Tired, not defeated.” She is determined to return in Nepal’s jersey, having always carried national pride in matches against Israel, France, and in Australian and New Zealand leagues. She urged reflection on other athletes’ struggles if even she faces this.

What message does she want to send to supporters?

Samba emphasized her lifelong dedication to Nepal despite hardships. She is asking for help to overcome this, confident she will recover and play again. “Jaya Nepal!”—she stands ready to represent the country once more, with fans as her key support now.