Blatter overwhelmed by Nepal's football atmosphere

KATHMANDU, Mach 8: FIFA President Sepp Blatter, who arrived in Kathmandu on Thursday to attend the opening ceremony of the AFC Challenge Cup, was effusive in his remarks about the reception he was accorded and the football atmosphere he found in the country.

President Ram Baran Yadav met the football supremo at Shital Niwas, Thursday evening. "I´m very glad to welcome you in Nepal," said President Yadav, who also applauded Blatter for his contribution to world football as FIFA president for four consecutive terms. President Yadav lauded Blatter for what he has been doing to bring international football to an under-privileged country.[break]

Blatter arrives at TIA.

Earlier, Blatter had a brief meeting with Prime Minister Baburam Bhattari at the latter´s official residence at Baluwatar.

Blatter, who landed at Tribhuwan International Airport Thursday morning by a chartered flight, was received by Youth and Sports Minister Kamala Roka, National Sports Council Member-Secretary Yuvaraj Lama and All Nepal Football Association President Ganesh Thapa. Various cultural groups and football fans greeted Blatter at the airport.

Blatter with PM Bhattarai at Dasharath stadium.

"I´m happy to be in Nepal to get this overwhelming reception," said Blatter after meeting Prime Minister Bhattarai at Baluwatar.

Blatter and Prime Minister Bhattarai jointly declared open the AFC Challenge Cup later in the day.

"I met your prime minister and he is a strong supporter of our game, football," said Blatter during his inaugural speech. "Your political leaders are present here and only football can bring all the politicians together," he added.

"It is an important day for football in Nepal, bringing together AFC Challenge Cup opening match between Nepal and Palestine," said Blatter. "There is no boundary in football. I witnessed Palestine team heartily welcomed here," he added.

"Football is education, emotion, passion and also fair play, discipline and respect. Your FA President Ganesh Thapa is doing a great job here," said Blatter.

Blatter is the second FIFA President to visit Nepal. Then FIFA president Joao Havelange had visited Nepal in 1987.

Blatter is accompanied by AFC Acting President Zhang Jilong and FIFA Executive Committee Member Manilal Fernando.

At the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Bhattarai said the government would help sports associations host international events in future and formally welcomed the FIFA and AFC delegates.

Blatter with President Dr Ram Baran Yadav.

AFC Acting President Jilong thanked Nepal for hosting the tournament. "This is the most important title for the emerging member nations of the AFC," said Jilong.

Jilong and Blatter requested the crowd to applaud women as the tournament was kicking off on March 8, International Women´s Day. "We (AFC) are associated with ANFA and Sathi to celebrate women´s achievement on Women´s Day," said Jilong.

Blatter with Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhatttarai.

AFC has associated the Challenge Cup with a Nepali NGO, Sathi, to promote the latter´s campaign under the slogan ´Our goal: Stop violence against women´.