What are your interests apart from playing football?

During off-seasons, I like to spend time with family. So I go to my hometown, Pokhara. I’ve also recently opened a restaurant: Namaste Air Nandoj. So that keeps me busy as well. I also like travelling, and I try to explore a new place whenever I can manage the time.

Any place that you have visited and found delightful?

I like Nagarkot a lot, and I often go there with friends. Outside of Nepal, I really liked Goa. It is such a happening place. Russia is another place I enjoyed visiting. Maybe because it was my first trip outside Nepal, I have fond memories of the country. We had trouble communicating there, but despite that, I found the place to be beautiful.

Do you like to watch films?

I’m a huge movie fan and try to catch up on all the latest releases. I mostly prefer romances and comedies. The last film I watched was Hercules. I am a fan of Dwayne Johnson so I try not to miss any of his films.

What about your interest when it comes to music?

I listen to music all the time and the choice of genre depends on my mood. But I really like Enrique’s songs and listen to him most of the time.

Any footballer you admire?

I really like Wayne Rooney. His playing techniques are commendable and he makes it all the more better by being a hard worker.

How conscious are you regarding fashion and brands?

I like to keep myself updated but I’m not obsessed with wearing a particular brand. Looking right and being comfortable are my priorities and I prefer casual outfits, like jeans and t-shirts. I usually prefer wearing outfits by Nike and when it comes to jeans, it’s mostly Levi’s.

Is there anything you like to collect?

I keep collecting football shoes—mostly ones I’ve worn during matches. So far, I’ve got a collection of 15 pairs.

What do you think are your strengths and weaknesses?

I think I’m hardworking and I consider that to be my strongest point. Everyone has a period of struggle in her/ his life, but I feel one can overcome that with hard work and dedication. So during training, I try my best to practice sincerely. I’d say my main weakness is that I am never able to say no to people. That puts me in

trouble at times.

One thing that you want to achieve in your lifetime.

It’s been about a decade since I started playing on the national team. The only thing that bothers me is that we have not been able to win a gold medal till now. It would mean the world to us to win a gold medal for the country.

Athletes are believed to be superstitious. Do you posses a lucky charm of some sort?

Although I do not keep a lucky charm, I am a little superstitious. Our team visits a temple before every game. That’s not always possible when we are outside of Nepal, but we make sure we carry idols that we can pray to.

If not for football, what would you be doing today?

My father was in the Indian Army. So, if I hadn’t got the opportunity to become a footballer, I might have joined the army. But it’s difficult to think that way now. Football is my life and I want to be associated with the sport and contribute as much as I can.

Finally, how do you think Nepali football can be made better?

I think children should be exposed to all kinds of sports from a very young age. The most important facility we lack at the moment is stadiums. There should be at least one in every district so that sport enthusiasts can practice properly. Likewise, there should be academies with the proper facilities in different parts of the country that cater to budding athletes.