Exactly 30 years ago today , Nepal national football team won Gold Medal in SAF Games in Dhaka, Bangladesh 🇧🇩 🏅
In the final held at Dhaka's Bangabandhu National Stadium, Nepal fought until the tie breaker to clinch the title. After the scheduled time ended in a tie of 2-2, a penalty shootout resulted in a 4-3 victory for Nepal against India.
And, only medal Nepal won in that 6th SAF Game was on Football , historic 🤝
#nepalifootball
🇳🇵 30 Years Ago Today: Nepal’s Golden Football Triumph in Dhaka (1993)
Exactly 30 years ago, Nepal wrote one of the brightest chapters in its sports history. On this very day in 1993, the Nepali national football team won the Gold Medal at the 6th SAF Games, held in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
This victory remains one of the most iconic and emotional moments for Nepali football fans.
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🏟 Background: Nepal Football Before 1993
In the early 1990s, Nepali football was still developing. Infrastructure was limited, training facilities were basic, and international exposure was rare.
Despite these challenges, Nepal’s domestic football culture was strong. Stadiums filled during league matches, and the national team had passionate supporters.
The team was full of hungry young talents and fearless players who dreamed big even with limited resources.
They lacked world-class facilities, but they had something more powerful: heart, unity, and belief.
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🇧🇩 SAF Games 1993: A Turning Point
The 6th South Asian Federation Games were held from January 20 to January 27, 1993 in Dhaka.
Strong teams like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka participated, each aiming for regional supremacy.
Nepal wasn’t considered the strongest team on paper. But once the matches started, Nepal shocked everyone with their discipline, team spirit, and fearless attacking football.
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⚽ Road to the Final
Group Stage Highlights
Nepal showcased excellent performances in the group stage. The defense was solid, the midfield controlled the pace, and the forwards were clinical.
Nepal displayed confidence and consistency
Key players like Hari Khadka, Deepak Rana, Upendra Man Singh, and Basanta Thapa stepped up
Nepal earned their reputation as a tough team right from the beginning
By the end of the group matches, Nepal had become a serious contender for the title.
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🏆 The Grand Final: Nepal vs India
📍 Venue: Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka
A historic stadium, packed with tens of thousands of supporters, both Nepali and Bangladeshi.
India entered the final as favorites, but Nepal had momentum, belief, and determination.
🔥 Match Summary
The final was nothing short of dramatic:
Nepal scored, India answered
India scored, Nepal fought back
90 minutes ended in a 2–2 draw
Extra time couldn’t separate the teams
The tension was massive. Every pass, every tackle, every run carried the weight of national pride.
😳 Tie Breaker: The Moment of Truth
The game moved to penalty shootout — the most nerve-wracking moment in football.
Nepal kept calm.
India felt the pressure.
One miss.
One save.
One perfect shot.
Another save.
And then…
Nepal won the shootout 4–3!
The stadium erupted. Players collapsed in joy. The Nepali fans cried tears of happiness.
That golden moment changed Nepali football forever.
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🥇 A Unique Achievement: Nepal’s Only Medal in the 6th SAF Games
In the entire 6th SAF Games, Nepal earned only one medal — and it was Gold in Football.
This made the victory even more emotional and historic.
Despite competing in many sports, Nepal’s only success came from a sport that the country loves deeply: football.
It was more than a medal —
It was a symbol of national pride.
A symbol of belief.
A symbol of unity.
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⭐ The Golden Squad: Heroes of 1993
Some of Nepal’s legendary footballers took part in this triumph, including:
Upendra Man Singh (Goalkeeper) – His performance in the penalty shootout remains unforgettable.
Hari Khadka (Forward) – One of Nepal’s greatest strikers of all time.
Basanta Thapa (Forward/Midfielder)
Deepak Rana (Midfielder)
Raju Tamang
Bal Gurung
Man Bahadur Bisht
Each player contributed with discipline, courage, and passion for the country.
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🇳🇵 Why This Win Still Matters Today
1️⃣ It created a golden memory for Nepali football
Even after three decades, fans still proudly talk about the Dhaka victory.
2️⃣ It ignited the football culture in Nepal
Children began dreaming of playing for the national team.
3️⃣ It proved Nepal could beat giants
Beating India in a final remains one of the greatest achievements of Nepali football.
4️⃣ It remains a historic benchmark
Nepal has won other titles since then (SAFF 2013, Three Nations Cup, etc.), but the 1993 Gold holds a special emotional value.
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🤝 Respect to Bangladesh & India
Bangladesh hosted the tournament brilliantly, and India played a strong final.
The spirit of South Asian football was fully alive.
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❤️ 30 Years Later: A Moment Forever in Our Hearts
The 1993 SAF Games Gold Medal is not just a win — it is an emotion.
A reminder that:
Nepal may be small
Our resources may be limited
But our passion, fight, and football heart are huge
This day will always remain one of the proudest days for Nepali football.
Salute to the 1993 Heroes! 🇳🇵🏆
