| Nhuchche |
Posted
on 29-May-02 06:56 AM
Log into http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/en/t/s/g.html for schedules.
Soccer magic spellbinds Nepali public (From Kathmandu Post)
By Suvecha Pant
KATHMANDU, May 28
One and a half-year-old Nitesh, like many other toddlers, has a very limited vocabulary. Although he can barely put a sentence together, there are two particular words that he knows very well, ‘goal’, and ‘ball’. He also knows that when he hits the ball into the back wall it’s a goal and runs around very happy. Nitesh at such a young age has learnt the basics of football.
This year little Nitesh will watch the most anticipated time of ones life, the FIFA Word Cup. As the football mania hits town he will join the many Nepalese who will be glued to their television sets.
"We plan to gather together at a friends place throughout the World Cup and watch all the matches," said Hitesh Sharma. "It has been a tradition for the past two World Cups."
Nothing, not even examinations that will coincide with the month-long football spectacle seem to keep people away from the action.
Roshan Subedi, 12, looks quite worried about his school exams. "If only we could have holiday from school for a month to watch the match." But he is determined to squeeze out time for football. "I am going to watch the Word Cup, I mean how can I miss it?"
With over 190,000 students sitting for their exams this month many will have to make a choice between football and studies.
Prashant Adhikari, who will be sitting for his 2nd year bachelor level exams, faces similar dire-straits, but he plans to study around the timetables for the matches. "I have worked everything out," says Adhikari. "The time when I need to take a break from studying will be devoted to football."
The football fever has not just hit the youth. Being ‘a sport for all ages’, even the elderly are eagerly waiting for the matches to begin. An 80-year-old Khem Bahadur Khadka has just brought home a new television set for the event. "I can’t go downstairs to the living room like the previous years and I don’t want to miss the World Cup," explains Khadka, recalling his childhood days when he used to play in his neighbourhood.
Even the housewives are preparing for the Word Cup this year. "I have made some light snacks like nimkee, bhujya for nibbling on while watching the matches" said Bimala Shrestha. "I can’t wait for the football to start and I’m sure that Brazil will win," she adds excitedly.
A group of children kicking the ball around the ground in Maitidevi when asked if they will be watching the World Cup this year reply with a loud ‘YES!’ without a second thought. And among them, ten years old Maya Pokharel seems to keep herself abreast of international football.
"I love football and my favourite team is England," Pokharel proudly declares. And she is not ready to concede a single game. "I have already reserved the best seat in my home to watch the football match this year."
The Nepal Television (NTV) has been broadcasting the World Cup football since 1986. However, it began live telecasts from 1990. And regardless of age, sex and caste, the people of Nepal will be devoted to just two things, the television set and their favourite football teams.
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