Nepal Women's Football League
The Nepal Women's National League is the top tier of women's club football in Nepal, governed by the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA). Launched in 2016, it has become a vital platform for nurturing female talent in a nation where women's soccer is rapidly gaining traction. Featuring top clubs from across regions, the league fuels the national team's progress and draws growing fan support, highlighting football's role in empowering women in the Himalayan country.
History and foundation
Inaugurated in 2016, the league saw APF Club dominate the inaugural edition. The 2020 season was scrapped due to COVID-19, but it bounced back strongly in 2021. A notable upset came in 2019 when Tribhuvan Army Club clinched the title, ending APF's reign. Post-2015 earthquake, the league symbolized resilience amid infrastructure challenges. In 2023, it spotlighted emerging talents from remote villages, underscoring its grassroots impact.
Tournament format
The competition involves 10-12 teams in a double round-robin format, playing 18-22 matches from September to December, adapting to monsoon seasons. The team with the most points wins, with playoffs possible for ties. No promotion/relegation exists, but top sides enter the national cup. Games occur on pitches in Kathmandu and Pokhara, prioritizing player safety.
Interesting facts
Matches average 2.5-3 goals, favoring defensive tactics due to skill gaps. Top scorers include Renuka Dangol (25 career goals, APF) and Samjana Rana (18 in 2022). Standouts: Sabitri Bathagar (15 goals in 2021 for Tribhuvan Army), goalkeeper Erina Shrestha (50 clean sheets). Stars like Gurung have shone in Asian qualifiers. 2023 saw 2.8 goals per game, with hat-tricks from rookies.