Chairman of UCPN (Maoist) Puspha Kamal Dahal handed over a replica of an apartment to Thapa on Monday. “Congratulations to the player for the award and also Anfa for honouring a player with such a morale boosting reward,” Dahal said.

“Sports have been able to unite the country when politics have failed,” said Dahal  stressed on the need to build an international standard stadium in the capital.

Thapa, who made his international debut in 2003 against Oman in the Asian Qualifying round in Korea, was the captain of the national team that had won bronze medal in the 10th South Asian Games in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

“This reward will go a long way in providing me security after retirement,” said the 32- year-old who has 26 caps for the national team. “I could not have made it this big in football without the support of my family, and I would also like to thank those who helped in my early days back home in Itahari and my coach Upendra Man Singh,” he said.

When asked about his retirement plans, Thapa who has been the second-choice goalkeeper for a while now said: “No I still believe I can play for a few more years. On being the second choice custodian, I take that as part of the game. It depends on the coach and the kind of team he wants.”

Thapa played his first domestic tournament with Three Star Club in 2000 but left the club to join the Nepal Police Club in 2005. Ever since he has been a regular member of the departmental team.

Thapa also said that he plans to become a coach after hanging up his boots. “I want to  help nurture young talent as a coach,” revealed the assistant sub-inspector of Nepal Police.  

On the domestic front, Thapa was adjudged the best keeper in the 2003, 2005, 2011 A Division League and the best player and keeper in 2011 Aaha Gold Cup and British Gurkha Cup. He has also been awarded the Rupak Smriti best player of the year in 2012.