Inspiring women, Celebrating Strength- The Story of Anjila Tumbapo Subba

Anjila Tumbapo Subba, Nepal’s star goalkeeper and captain of the women’s national football team, has shattered barriers in sports. From playing in Nepal, India, and Pakistan to making history in European leagues, her journey is one of resilience and trium

Anjila Tumbapo Subba—fearless, fierce, and a force to be reckoned with. Born under the bold and dynamic Gemini sign in the hills of Panchthar, Nepal, she has shattered barriers to become the captain and star goalkeeper of Nepal’s women’s national football team. Her performance has taken her beyond Nepal’s borders, playing professionally in India, Pakistan, and now Europe, where she continues to grow as a player and leader.  From commanding the field with her lightning-fast reflexes to making history as the second Nepalese female footballer to conquer European leagues, her journey is nothing short of cinematic. And with the film Anjila capturing her rise, her legacy is only getting started.

 

 

Growing up, what first drew you to football, and what obstacles did you encounter as you pursued it?
Growing up, football was everywhere—I started playing purely for fun, never imagining it could become something bigger. I was around 12 or 13 when I first kicked a ball, unaware that a national team even existed. In the beginning, I didn’t enjoy being a goalkeeper—I was afraid of getting hit and diving on the rough ground. But when a local club, Pandam, offered me a spot, I took the opportunity, even though I was placed as a goalkeeper against my preference. From local games, I progressed to APF FC and eventually earned a place on the national team.

 

As a woman in sports, the biggest challenges weren’t just personal but societal. In Nepal, women’s sports often take a backseat; women pursuing sports were seen as too bold, and while my family initially had no objections, the pressure and criticisms from society made things difficult. People complained to my parents, urging them to put barriers on me playing. Despite the barriers, I stayed committed to my passion, determined to prove that women belong in sports just as much as men.

 

How were you selected as captain of Nepal’s Women’s National Football Team, and what does wearing the armband mean to you?

Being named the captain of the Nepal Women’s National Football Team is a privilege with immense responsibility. The selection isn’t based on personal preference or any selection process but rather on experience & dedication. The federation evaluates players who have consistently contributed to the team and have the capability to guide and inspire others. Longevity, performance, and the ability to unite the team provided me the opportunity to achieve such big entitlement.

 

For me, wearing the captain’s armband isn’t about authority—it’s about accountability. On the pitch, I focus on motivating my teammates, leading by example, and ensuring we work together toward success. Off the pitch, I see myself as their friend rather than just their captain, creating an environment where everyone feels supported.

 

Having played professionally across diverse footballing cultures—from Nepal to Pakistan, India, and now Greece—what differences can be seen?

Playing professionally across diverse footballing cultures has been a transformative journey for me. From my international debut in Sri Lanka in 2014 to the opportunity I had to be on teams of Pakistan, India, and now Greece, each experience offered unique insights into the game. South Asian football shares a common style and strategy, but transitioning to European football was a significant shift. The European game is far more advanced, primarily due to the substantial investment in football and structured training from a young age. Players there develop exceptional footwork and game awareness early on, benefiting from grassroots-level training and long-term exposure. These contrasting environments have broadened my tactical understanding, and global training, and have pushed me to elevate my performance on the field.

Can you share a defining match in your journey that you’ll never forget?

A defining match in my journey was the Hero Gold Cup in 2018 against Iran. I had an incredible performance, saving many potential goals, and we won. I’ve tried to replicate that match, but it never happens the same way. Another unforgettable moment was our draw with Myanmar- FIFA’s 55th-ranked country, in the first qualifier round, earning us significant recognition. And the SAFF Championship of 2024 was a tough but rewarding experience, marking the highest recognition for our women’s national team. Each of these moments is special to me.

 

A high-pressure moment in your career and the toughest opponent you've faced?

In the last SAFF match against India, we faced a particularly intense situation when the referee disallowed a goal that seemed legitimate, leading to a break in the game for over an hour. That moment added immense pressure on our team. Looking back, the toughest country I’ve faced in a match has to be Japan. Their disciplined approach and high-level technical skills make them a formidable opponent.

 

 

Nepal’s recent victories place the country on the map in women’s football, and with the growing support from fans, how does it feel to be at the forefront of this transformative moment in the sport?

It feels amazing to be part of this transformative moment in Nepal’s women’s football. In just ten years, we've sparked hope and enthusiasm among fans. There was a time when I doubted the future, as many players left for opportunities abroad. But now, seeing the team succeed and gaining the support we deserve is truly rewarding. The growing fan base and their shared excitement remind me that our persistence is paying off. It’s inspiring to know that we’re part of something bigger, creating a wave of pride for the country.

 

Women’s football in Nepal still lacks recognition and investment. What changes do you want to see?

Women’s football in Nepal has the potential to grow, but it still lacks the recognition and investment that the other countries enjoy. While the facilities provided by the federation are on par for both genders, the visibility and frequency of domestic leagues are limited. Establishing provincial or city-based leagues would create more competitive opportunities and help players hone their skills for larger tournaments. Currently, players often have to wait up to three years to play in a match, and the low number of matches each year hinders growth. More regular matches, minimally around 4 to 5 annually, would not only elevate the quality of play but also bring forward new talent and boost the overall development of women’s football in Nepal.

 

A movie about your life, Anjila, is being made. What was it like portraying yourself in a film?

Portraying myself in the film was both challenging and exciting. The acting was new to me, but the support from directors, producers, and co-actors Dayahang Rai, and Buddhi Tamang helped me feel comfortable and inspired me. The opportunity came from producer Prem Shrestha, who has been a guardian to me since I arrived in Kathmandu, encouraging me in all aspects of life. Since the story was based on my journey, I immersed myself in the role, and it felt more like reliving my experiences than acting. The whole experience was truly fulfilling.

 

The feeling of stepping into the pitch- how do you feel? Jersey, national anthem, crowd's cheer?

Stepping onto the pitch wearing the national jersey is always a moment of pride, but the first time I received it was truly surreal and special. Seeing Nepal’s flag and my name on it created an emotional connection that I will never forget. The feeling is further amplified by the crowd’s cheer—it’s one of the biggest driving forces behind my performance. Their voices have a magic to energize, inspire, and uplift us, pushing us to give our best on the field. The national anthem playing in the background only adds to the sense of honour and responsibility, making every match an unforgettable experience.

 

Has your family ever travelled to watch you play live? If so, what was their reaction?

Surprisingly, my parents have never watched me play a game live. For the ongoing match, I even booked their flight so they could finally see me in action, but unfortunately, I had to be on the bench that day, and they missed the chance to watch me perform. It’s a bit ironic that I’m nearing my retirement, yet they still haven’t seen me play. (laugh) Hopefully, before I hang up my boots, they’ll get to witness me on the field at least once!

 

You are among the few Nepali women footballers to play professionally in Europe. How did it feel to sign with Nees Atromitou?

Signing with Nees Atromitou was a significant milestone in my career, especially as one of the few Nepali women footballers to play internationally. The journey wasn’t easy—I spent years searching for opportunities, reaching out to numerous agents without success. After nearly three to four years, I finally connected with a Swedish agent through an app, and that conversation led to this opportunity.

 

Playing here has given me the chance to compete in more matches than I would have back home, and I believe I’ve contributed my fair share to the team’s progress. However, communication remains a challenge, making training sessions a bit tough. Despite that, this experience has been invaluable, and I’m looking forward to making the most of my one-season contract.