KATHMANDU, Oct 29: Newly appointed Youth and Sports Minister Bablu Gupta has raised concerns over managerial lapses during the national women’s football team’s tour of India.
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After players complained about inadequate food, rest, and travel arrangements, Gupta called ANFA General Secretary Kiran Rai for clarification.
In a social media-shared conversation, the minister highlighted that players got only 3–4 hours of sleep, missed timely meals, and were exhausted from travel. He stressed that every national team’s itinerary, accommodation, meals, and travel plan must be detailed before departure.
Rai replied that the Indian Embassy and Football Federation handled management and that issues in Siliguri and Shillong had been resolved. Gupta, however, criticized ANFA for offloading responsibility to travel agencies and other bodies, calling it unacceptable.
He emphasized that national players’ welfare is the federation’s duty and demanded a detailed discussion on improving management.
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