This exclusive interview explores the lives of Kiran Chemjung, Nepal's football team captain, and his wife Kanchan Niraula, who navigate the delicate balance between football, love, and parenting.

A Team Forever in Love and Parenthood

They discuss the challenges they face in managing time and priorities, their hopes and fears for the future, and the intricate dynamics that shape their lives, providing a glimpse into their dynamic relationship.

 

Former captain and national team goalkeeper Kiran Chemjong married his longtime lover, Kanchan Niraula, in a touching ceremony that celebrated love and success. After winning the Maldives’ Dhivehi Premier League, Kiran sir, whose winning run went beyond the football field, proposed to Kanchan, As the pair started a new chapter, they kindly shared their happiness and excitement, along with the news that they would soon have an addition to their team: they are expecting! The couple announced that they are expecting their first child, adding to the joy and anticipation surrounding their new journey together. With their love and success extending beyond the football field, Kiran and Kanchan are ready to embrace parenthood and create a loving family.  In an exclusive interview with Smart Family, Kiran and Kanchan talked candidly about their relationship and their journey to have a family.

 

  1. As the captain of Nepal's football team, your role demands tremendous dedication. How has this impacted your personal and family life?

Captain Kiran sir

My personal and professional lives are balanced since my family and the national team are both significant to me, and I am still managing them both. If I were to describe my journey, I would say that it began when I was 13 or 14 years old, in the small village of Raja Rani in Dhankuta. I then participated in the Mayos Inter Sports Tournament, which helped me turn my love of football into a professional sport after I was accepted into the academy and moved into a hostel in Kathmandu.  Although I've been married for a year and a half, I was in a relationship for three and a half years before we started dating in 2019 after we first started talking.

And about my next journey, I am extremely excited to be a father. We hear a lot that you will face even more difficulties after getting married, but what I felt is that after getting married, we have one new family member with whom I can share my happiness and sadness, as well as my stress, and that makes me feel at ease. When I think about the baby, when I have my baby on my upcoming day after becoming a father, I can feel that joy, such as being able to play with my child and learn to teach.

 

  1. Could you share a specific moment where Kanchan ma’am's support played a significant role in your football journey?

Captain Kiran sir

It is always there and I don't think I have one particularly special moment I always have those ups and downs and when I'm alone I overthink about all of it which disturbs my sleep and peace the constant reminder of defeat is painful but now I have my wife and I feel supported and all the pressure as the captain from everywhere it feels as ease with her by my side. Her presence is more than just physical; it is her emotional support that has brightened my spirits. At that time, I recognized the immense value of having a supporting spouse. Kanchan ma’am's belief in my path gives a special depth to my football career, making every accomplishment more important.

 

  1. Being the wife of Nepal's football captain comes with both joys and pressures, including public attention. How do you handle this while maintaining balance in your personal life?

Wife Kanchan ma’am

 No, I don't feel that pressure since I'm accustomed to it. I've never had a problem with the public because I represent myself the way I am, so it doesn't make much of a difference, and I don't want to change even if I am now the wife of a national player. But there are clear differences after being married since previously I was unmarried and my name wasn't linked with him;, I wasn't much focused on. However, life has altered since being married, but it still feels normal, with a touch of self-consciousness about my appearance and so on.

Being the wife of the team captain offers both delight and strain, especially with all of the media attention. Balancing one's personal life while under attention requires resilience and understanding. Kiran sir and I are traveling together on this adventure. We accept the attention as part of the deal, and I get strength from the strong link we have. The key is to remain grounded, prioritize our relationship, and support one another through the ups and downs.

 

 

  1. Kanchan ma’am ma’am, your journey with Kiran sir has evolved from friends to life partners. How has this transition been, and what are your feelings as you both anticipate parenthood?

Wife Kanchan ma’am

Nothing much has changed; everything was the same whether we were dating or just friends. Even after we were married, there were no rules between us, or at least we didn't attempt to alter each other by saying things like "don't do this now" or "do this now." We are in a relationship of mutual trust and communication, and I can see he is thrilled to be a father. We are also getting ready for our baby—it was well-planned, and we are getting ready both emotionally and psychologically. Speaking of transformation, I don't think there will be any significant changes, but it is crucial to psychologically prepare yourself as a parent since raising a child is a lifetime commitment rather than something you do for a day or two.

 

  1. Kiran sir, as you balance the responsibilities of leading a national team, how do you prepare for the upcoming responsibilities of fatherhood?

Captain Kiran sir

There are a lot of responsibilities, both as a national team leader and as a father and a family member. However, I approach these responsibilities with consistency because my family is just as important to me as my team. I also know that if you learn to balance your personal and professional lives, it will be much easier, so I'll handle them both hand in hand.

Sure, I indeed want to be with her right now, but I can't give her and the baby the time and attention that a parent would be able to give, which makes me a little sad. I had hoped that I could take her for checkups, walks, and all, but I'm really glad that she understands my passion and responsibility towards the team and country. However, I try to take her everywhere I can, whether it's to the game league or somewhere else. Sometimes I worry about it because I have family to consider, and when I have work outside, we have to concentrate on the game, so we have to focus on it. After the match, I texted her right away because it felt a little worrying.

Kanchan ma’am

I know how he feels and have always been there when feasible, so I don't tell him to be with me all the time for check-ups and everything else since there are no expectations but rather communication and understanding. Even after we were married, there are still periods when we are apart, so we're not really different from how things were when we first started dating. Our ability to communicate clearly allowed us to get by over the months and weeks that we spent apart. We used to communicate daily via text messages to keep each other informed about our activities, destinations, and day-to-day experiences, which may have contributed to our ease of relationship.

 

  1. As parents-to-be, how do you plan to instill values like teamwork and dedication in your child?

Captain Kiran sir

 We don't take the role of parenthood lightly. Our parenting style places a strong emphasis on instilling qualities like dedication and interaction. Leadership by example is what we think. We aim to teach our kids that the principles acquired on the football field apply to life. It is crucial to have teamwork, discipline, and devotion in all facets of life, not only in athletics. We want to create an atmosphere where our child sees the value of perseverance, hard effort, and teamwork early on.

 

  1. What rituals or routines do you have as a couple that help you maintain a strong connection despite busy schedules?

Captain Kiran sir and Kanchan ma’am:

We have established certain rituals that help us stay connected despite our hectic schedules. One such ritual is exchanging pleasant texts with our loved ones first thing in the morning. This has been going on since the beginning and strengthens our bond even further.

 

  1. How do you envision introducing the love for football to your child?

Wife Kanchan ma’am & Kiran sir:

We haven't given it much thought, but let's see if the baby is a boy or a girl. He mentioned that if the baby is a boy, he wants to make him a football player, but it's up to the kids these days because they have the freedom to do whatever they want. Let's see what they decide.

 

  1. Can you share your thoughts on the role of sportsmanship in building a strong family foundation?

Captain Kiran sir: In our family, good sportsmanship is a way of life that extends beyond the playing field. Fairness, respect, and collaboration are virtues that I carry into our family life from my football career. A positive family dynamic is cultivated by addressing obstacles and enjoying wins with a sense of sportsmanship.

Message from Captain Kiran sir

 No matter how busy you are or what line of work you are in, having a strong family support system is extremely important. We hear of many situations where people prioritize their careers over their families, which leads to many struggles. The only lesson I want to impart is that if you want to live a happy, loving, and healthy life, you should learn to balance these two aspects of your life. Your family is the only people who will always be there for you, so never pursue financial success at the expense of your family.

 

 

Rapid fire

a. Favorite activity together?

Kiran sir: GYM.

b. One word to describe each other?

Kiran sir: Respect.

c. Best football moment you've shared with your wife?

Kiran sir: proposal moment

d. Pre-game ritual you never skip?

Kiran sir: Ganesh prayer and talking to family

e. One thing about the captain that fans would be surprised to know?

Kanchan ma’am: after the match his aggression, after he lost the game he didn’t talked to me once

f. Funniest pregnancy craving so far?

Kanchan ma’am: none so far

g. Dream family vacation destination?

Kiran sir: Maldives

Kanchan ma’am: Maldives.

h. A song that defines your relationship?

Together: Baacha Bhayo by Swoopna Suman

I. Advice for aspiring footballers who also aim to balance a successful family life?

Kiran sir: Respect your family along with your work