Fellow players say the former captain, 33, could have played for a couple of years more. He says he has no energy to play but wants to be the game’s administrator.

The national football team coach said in a Facebook post that he is stepping down but is yet to submit an application to the football governing body.

Officials claim there was no controversy in selecting the delegation but promising talents were left behind. Those in Tokyo do not represent the sports Nepal is competing in.

Nepal are practically out of the World Cup qualifiers race but can still progress into the next round of Asian Cup qualifiers if they don’t drop to the bottom.

He wore the captain's armband for the first time during Trivandrum SAFF Championship in December 2015 against India replacing Anil Gurung. He led the team as captain for 18 matches.

The hosts overcome their South Asian rivals 2-1 in the final match at the Dasharath Stadium to claim their fifth international title and second trophy at home.

Newly-appointed Gary Phillips, 57, of Australia has the challenge of bringing home the first international trophy despite Nepal having reached nine finals since 2010.

The 65-old was member of the gold medal winning team during the first SAF games in 1984 and considered one of the best in his position the country has produced.

The Australian, who won the 1996 World Cup with Sri Lanka, starts his stint in Nepal from the New Year.

The decision by All Nepal Football Association means women’s salaries will see an almost three-fold increase from January.

Once the deal is signed, India’s Seven 3 Sports will provide Cricket Association of Nepal Rs400 million for a period of 10 years, officials say.

Despite short preparation, a year-long hiatus due to coronavirus and long list of absentees, Nepal are hopeful of good results against the home team.

The national men’s team has not played any tournament after competing in the 2020 Asia Cup Qualifiers held in Thailand in February and March earlier this year.

Nepali footballers will break an eight-month long hiatus when they play two international friendlies in Dhaka next week.

Players welcome the move but call on authorities to allow domestic matches since their livelihoods depend on playing games.