Sabitra Bhandari signs for Israeli club Hapoel Ra'anana AFC

The Nepali forward becomes the first player from her country to play in a European league.

Sabitra Bhandari, the talented Nepali footballer, has achieved a remarkable milestone in her career by signing with Israeli top division club Hapoel Ra'anana AFC for the upcoming 2023-24 season. This historic move not only marks an exciting chapter in Bhandari's journey but also makes her the first Nepali footballer to play in a European league, breaking new ground for Nepali football on the international stage.

The news of Bhandari's signing was officially announced by Hapoel Ra'anana AFC through their social media platforms on Tuesday, revealing that an agreement had been reached between the club and the player. The Israeli top-division club's interest in Bhandari is a testament to her exceptional skills and performance in the world of football.

Bhandari's thoughts on the move

Bhandari, widely recognized as one of the top strikers in South Asia, has harbored a long-standing dream of playing in a European league. The realization of her dream has left her exhilarated and eager to embark on this new chapter in her career. "I am excited to play. I have dreamed of this for a long time. I can't express how happy I am," Bhandari shared to Nepali outlet Online Khabri.

Having represented the Nepal National team, as well as playing for Gokulam Kerala FC and the departmental team APF in domestic football, Bhandari boasts an impressive track record. She has emerged victorious in three editions of the Indian Women's League, having played for Sethu FC and Gokulam Kerala.

A stellar domestic season with IWL 2023 winners Gokulam Kerala

Bhandari's recent triumph came in the form of winning the league title with Gokulam Kerala, where she also clinched the top scorer award after netting an impressive 29 goals. Her accolades include being crowned the Indian Women's League Top Scorer in the 2019-20 and 2022-23 seasons, as well as being recognized as the Top Goal Scorer of the 2016 SAFF Women's Championship.

Bhandari's achievements extend beyond the Indian Women's League. She has received various individual honors, including the Best Player of the Pradhansenapati International Women's Football Tournament in 2013, and is the top goal scorer in the women's football category of the Seventh National Game of Nepal in the same year. Bhandari's exceptional performances were acknowledged with the prestigious 2019 Pulsar Sports Award for Woman's Player of the Year.

About the club

Hapoel Ra'anana AFC has been actively involved in promoting women's football in Israel. The club has been operating a youth women's football club in Ra'anana since 2008, demonstrating its commitment to nurturing young talent in the sport. In 2016, they further expanded their efforts by establishing a women's team, which joined Liga Leumit Nashim, the second division of women's football in Israel. In an impressive debut season, Hapoel Ra'anana AFC's women's team clinched the division title, securing a promotion to the top division of Israeli women's football. They are now playing in the top division of women's football in Israel, Ligat Nashim.

It is noteworthy that although Israel is geographically located in Asia, the Israel Football Association has been a full member of UEFA since 1994. This membership grants Israeli clubs the opportunity to participate in European competitions and further strengthens the ties between Israeli football and the European footballing community.

A significant signing for Asian and Women's football

Sabitra Bhandari's signing with Hapoel Ra'anana AFC not only provides her with an incredible opportunity to further hone her skills and compete at a higher level but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring footballers in Nepal and South Asia.

Her journey signifies that talent and determination can transcend borders, enabling players from traditionally underrepresented regions to leave their mark on the global stage. Bhandari's groundbreaking achievement is sure to encourage more young footballers from Nepal and the surrounding regions to chase their dreams relentlessly and seize opportunities to play in top leagues worldwide.