The Nepali society has perhaps never been more polarized. Disagreements over the new charter have resulted in virtual lockdown of the 22 districts in the Tarai belt. India, also dissatisfied by the new constitution, has for the last three weeks been imposing a crippling economic blockade. But even amidst all this turmoil, there was one thing that united all Nepalis: sports. During the World T20 in Bangladesh last year, the whole country, it seemed, was glued to their TV sets, egging the Nepali team on. In the event, despite their two wins and a single loss, Nepal could not qualify for the 10-team main draw. For their valiant effort the Nepali national cricket team was given a hero's welcome when they touched down in Kathmandu. The team, comprised of Nepali youth from every economic and socio-cultural background, was the epitome of the New Nepal we are trying to build. But despite these recent successes, members of the national cricket team could only look on with envy the even greater popularity of another sport and the relative financial security it gave to its players: the global game of football.There can be no greater accomplishment for a Nepali sportsperson than to beat India in a game of football. Scorers in Nepal's international matches, all played to packed crowds, become heroes overnight. But it's not just the national team that has big following. Each of the nine clubs in the Nepal National League also has sizable fan base. Frustrated with the never-ending political turmoil, football had become a useful distraction for Nepali youths to vent their frustration. How disappointed they must all be to learn that the footballers they had held so dear to their hearts have now proven to be villains: ready to throw away the matches they played as Nepal's representatives for money. On Wednesday, five football players, including Sagar Thapa, the captain of the Nepali national team, were arrested for conniving with bookies to fix Nepal's international matches. Nepal Police had for the past few months been closely studying past suspicious matches and the financial activities of the players in question. The Metropolitan Police Crime Division (MPCD) deserves credit for such a thorough investigation and well-coordinated arrests. But the faith of the millions of ardent fans of Nepali football lies in tatters.
It will be difficult to restore their trust. But it's not impossible. Nor are the new developments in Nepali football necessarily bad. The arrests on Wednesday followed by public humiliation of the five footballers accused of match-fixing are a strong reminder to all professional sportspersons in Nepal that their wrongdoing will be punished. It should thus act as a deterrent. But that is not enough. The five players, if convicted, should be given harsh penalties: preferably life bans and some jail time. That would signal that the state is serious about cleaning up the game and restoring the battered faith of fans. Leniency is not advised because the players, frankly, don't deserve it. All the five players were relatively well-off by Nepali standards. Nor can there be a greater crime than cheating on your country. In plain-speak, it is treason.
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