Nepal Women's Division 1 Championship
The Nepal Women's Division 1 Championship is the top tier of women's club football in Nepal, run by the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA). It features the country's premier women's teams, fostering growth in a sport increasingly embraced by female athletes amid challenging terrain and cultural shifts.
History and foundation
Women's football in Nepal emerged in the 1990s with ANFA's grassroots efforts. The Division 1 league formalized in the early 2000s, initially in Kathmandu. APF Club dominated from 2010, securing multiple titles. A 2019 refereeing controversy spurred ANFA reforms. The 2015 earthquake halted play, but resilience shone through quick recovery. By 2023, it expanded to 10 teams, marking steady progress.
Tournament format
The format is a double round-robin with 8–12 teams, awarding points for wins and draws. The champion claims the title, national cup entry, and AFC qualifiers shot. Running March to October to dodge monsoons, 2024 introduced playoffs for top-four finishers.
Interesting facts
Matches average 2.5 goals, emphasizing solid defense. Top scorers include Renuka Dongol (45 goals, APF Club) and Sabitri Batha (32 goals, national icon). Standouts: Gita Magar, dribbling wizard and captain; goalkeeper Erina Shrestha, known for clutch saves. Emerging stars from Tribhuvan Army Club bolster the league's talent pool.