Nirajan, Basanta and Nabin hang their boots

Kathmandu, March 30: Three Nepali football players Nirajan Rayamajhi, Basanta Gauchan and Nabin Neupane bid adieu to international football on Monday. [break]



All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) president Ganesh Thapa felicitated the three retiring players during the half time of the AFC Challenge Cup Group ´C´ qualifier between Palestine and Kyrgyzstan.



Nepal’s most successful striker Nirajan made his debut with the national squad in 2000. He has scored 13 international goals for Nepal and shared the top scorer honor with former Nepal skipper Hari Khadka.



Nirajan quit Nepali football and went to Germany in 2003 only to return to play for the national side three years later.



“I am satisfied with my career. This game has given me fame, and the love from the audience is unforgettable,” Nirajan said.






Midfielder Basanta first wore the national jersey in 1997 in the South Asian Football (SAF) Championship and played his last match for Nepal in 2003. “My childhood dream came true, I can’t forget this life,” were his words after the announcement.



However, New Road Team (NRT) midfielder Basanta vowed to carry on his career in league football for another couple of years.



Nepali football’s all-rounder Nabin was the third player to quit international football on Monday. Nabin started his career at national level from age group matches and made his debut for the senior side in 2003 against South Korea in the Asia Cup qualifier.



“I played in every position, in mid-field and defense; coaches every now and then changed my playing position. That’s the main reason I was unable to maintain a consistent position in the team, and it has resulted in my early exit from the game,” Nabin complained.



Coincidentally, the three players are currently playing for NRT. They will be playing for the club side for the next couple of years.