Ghale is better known for his own deeds although he happens to be the son of a brave Gorkhali soldier Gaje Ghale who was conferred on the prestigious Victoria Cross. Ghale established a reputation for himself at the age of 22 as he shot to fame after scoring the first international goal for Nepal during the Ninth Asian Games 1982 held in New Delhi.
That was a historic goal for Nepal against the Kuwaiti team that just returned after participating in the World Cup. Although Nepal lost 3-1 in the match, Nepali team put up a bold performance asserting the bravery of the feared Gurkhas. Ghale was the center of attraction during the match. The Nepali team that looked child-like according to the commentator was lauded by the media for its performance.
Ghale´s photographs alongside his father´s at his home in Nakkhu stand as a testimony to their glorious past.
Ghale cannot move freely as he could in the past. Exercise and therapy have become a compulsion for him. But the topic of football still invigorates him though his body fails to show the signs. His love for football has not waned at all.
In fact, his affection for football finds him redemption. He has never detached himself from football. Ghale, who once was the director of ANFA Youth Academy, is enthusiastic to share his experiences with the new generation.
Ghale said that the national league will give new direction to football referring to the British Gurkha Cup Football that began on Wednesday at the Dasharath Stadium. Ghale´s honesty shines as he recalls a statement he made during the Ninth Asiad two years ago when Nepal celebrated the 25th Anniversary of international football. “I got the ball in the right side of the Kuwaiti post. The chances of scoring would have been high if I had passed the ball to Ganesh Thapa who was along with me. But I couldn´t get rid of the desire for first international goal.”
Ghale does not expect anything in return for his contribution. But it is an utter negligence on part of the concerned authorities who have ignored the footballer who brought international recognition to Nepal.
“What? No one has come,” said Ghale with a smile when he was queried if any sports official paid him a visit.
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