Shrestha, 50, who had shifted to his new house of Bhaisepati, Lalitpur, from Patan on Friday got electrocuted and never gained consciousness. He was pronounced death promptly after being rushed to Alka Hospital.Shrestha, projected as the future president of ANFA had spent nearly four decades of his life in football both as player and administrator. He had also earned reputation as savior of football at the time of crisis within ANFA. Shrestha had been the unanimous choice of self-suspended ANFA President Ganesh Thapa and other officials of the football governing body to lead ANFA.
Shrestha is also largely credited for scripting new era in Nepali club football guiding the traditionally run club to professionalism. He was the first president of the top tier football club Three Star to officially put the sponsor's name in front of the club's name. He was also criticized by many for 'selling' the brand. But later, many other clubs followed Shrestha's footsteps and currently it has been an established trend in football.
Shrestha is remembered as 'down to earth' person who had friendly relations not only with administrators of ANFA but also with footballers and game officials.
Some football pundits believe he was 'heavily misused and overshadowed' by self-suspended ANFA President Thapa. He also stood on the forefront as shield of Thapa whenever he faces crisis. However, he never complained about this. He never hesitated to listen his criticism.
Even after being appointed acting president of ANFA some six months ago, he did not attend the AFC Congress of Asian Football Confederation (AFC) as well as FIFA Congress of apex international football governing body. Both the congresses were scheduled to elect new executive body. It was for the first time in two decades that ANFA President did not attend the congress. While the scribe asked why he did not attend the congress, he simply smiled and said - It is our policy to give chance to others. But many believe the story behind his absence was something else.
Shrestha had played a key role in Three Star's journey from D division to A division as a player. Although an average player, he was a regular choice in the club's elevation in D to A division from 1979 to 1983. He was elected president of Three Star for the first time on 1991 and served at the club for six years in the same capacity. Later, he was again elected the President of Three Star on 2002 and had been in the same capacity so far. The club had won the top domestic league twice under his leadership besides numerous knockout tournaments.
Shrestha had made an entry into ANFA on 1995 as a member and then held various positions including spokesperson, vice president, senior vice president and acting president. He was honored by AFC Service Award gold in 2013 for his efforts toward the development of football in Nepal.
The last rites of Shrestha were performed on Saturday at Pashupati Aryaghat. Shrestha is survived by mother Nanu Babu, wife Nilu and six year old twin daughter Sritika and son Shreyesh Shrestha.
Beliefs surrounding Krishna Janmashtami
