Anita Basnet is a Nepalese footballer from Nepal. She plays as a midfielder (Forward) for Lords FA in the Indian Women's League (IWL) and represents the Nepal women’s national football team.
Early Life and Background
Anita was born in 2000 in Samdu, Terhathum, Nepal. She developed a love for football at a young age, inspired by watching her school seniors play. Despite challenges, her family supported her dream, which helped her pursue the sport seriously.
Football Career
Anita started her football journey at the district level and gained recognition after playing in the Sixth National Games in 2012. This led to her selection for the Eastern Region team and later for the Armed Police Force (APF) Club, a major milestone in her career.
She made her debut for the Nepal women’s national football team in 2014 during the SAFF Women’s Championship in Pakistan. Since then, she has been a key player for the national team, earning over 26 caps and scoring 6 goals.
Club Career
Anita has played for several clubs in Nepal and abroad. In 2019, she joined Sethu FC in India and won the Indian Women’s League (IWL) title in her first season. In 2023, she signed with Lords FA, another IWL club, where she currently plays, wearing jersey number 3.
She also had a brief stint in the Maldives Police team, where she played futsal and scored 11 goals.
International Goals and Achievements
Anita has scored important goals for Nepal in international tournaments. One of her most memorable goals came in 2024 when she scored directly from a corner kick (known as an “Olimpico” goal) against Syria during the WAFF Women’s Championship in Saudi Arabia.
Some of her key international goals include:
- Scored against Iran in the 2019 Gold Cup
- Scored against Sri Lanka in the 2019 SAFF Women’s Championship
- Scored twice against Bhutan in the 2022 SAFF Women’s Championship
- Scored against Syria in the 2024 WAFF Women’s Championship
Anita Basnet won the Indian Women’s League (IWL) title in 2019 while playing for Sethu FC, making her one of the few Nepali female footballers to achieve this feat. Her performances at both the club and international levels have earned her recognition as one of Nepal’s top female footballers. She continues to be an important player for the national team, inspiring many young girls to pursue football in Nepal.
Personal Life and Future Goals
Anita is passionate about football and wants to continue playing for as long as possible. She also hopes to contribute to the development of women's football in Nepal.
Her journey from a small village in Terhathum to international football shows her dedication, hard work, and love for the game.
