“Do you even have a stadium back home?”

That was the question the first generation of Nepali women footballers—who were not yet full-timers—heard from curious local fans when they travelled to Hong Kong for their maiden international appearance nearly 40 years ago.

The question was a result of the people in Hong Kong being curious about football in the country of mountains.

It was December 1986. Led by captain Rama Singh and coach Khem Gurung, Nepal were debuting at the sixth edition of the AFC Women’s Championship, a tournament later rebranded as the AFC Women’s Asian Cup from the 15th edition in 2006.

Their first taste of international football was bitter. The team conceded 12 goals in three group-stage matches against the hosts Hong Kong, Thailand and Indonesia, and exited without a win.

When they returned to the championship for the seventh edition, again in Hong Kong, the challenges only grew steeper. Nepal suffered heavy defeats, shipping 25 goals in three games—including a 14–0 loss to Japan. After that, the team did not participate in the next four editions in 1991, 1993, 1995 and 1997.

Nepal’s last Asian appearance before a long hiatus came in the 12th edition of the tournament, held in the Philippines in 1999. Although they lost all of their group-stage matches, there was one moment to cherish: Nepal scored their first-ever international goal.

Pema Dolma Lama, who found the net against Uzbekistan on November 16 that year, still recalls the moment as historic.

That match marked the end of an era. Nepal’s women would not return to the international arena for more than a decade, finally reappearing in 2010 at the inaugural SAFF Women’s Championship.

In that tournament, Nepal and India emerged as the dominant forces, each reaching the final without conceding a goal. With that breakthrough, Nepal’s women began building a more consistent international presence.

Since 2010, Nepal have played 89 international matches—compared to just 10 between 1986 and 1999.

In total, the national team has contested 99 international games to date.

On June 29, when they face Laos in the qualifiers for the 21st edition of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Uzbekistan, Nepal will reach a symbolic milestone: their 100th international match.

From the early days of scepticism and struggle to a century of appearances on the international stage, it is a journey that adds extra motivation for the team as they look to write a new chapter in their history.

“The scenario of women’s football in Nepal has changed a lot over the years,” said Renuka Nagarkote, who debuted for the national team in 2010, when she was only 15. Now, 15 years later, Nagarkote will be part of the 23-member squad that will be the witness of Nepal’s 100th international game against Laos.

“More and more new players are coming and it feels motivating,” said Nagarkote, adding, “And I am excited to be part of the historic milestone for the country.”

Nagarkote debuted against Pakistan, in the SAFF Championship, on December 18, 2010. If she plays against Laos, it will be her 54th cap.

Of the 23 players who have travelled to Uzbekistan for the qualifiers of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, there are six, including Nagarkote, who have already played in 50+ matches.

“We now have a pro coach and he has been of great support. He is helping us improve more,” Nagarkote added.

Anjila Tumbapo Subba, the wall of the women’s team, is the most capped player. She has represented the country in 57 international games followed by defenders Amrita Jaishi (56) and Gita Rana (55), midfielder Anita Basnet (55), and striker Sabitra Bhandari aka Samba (54).

The only other active player closest to the milestone of 50 international games for Nepal is midfielder Saru Limbu.

Limbu, who has 49 caps for Nepal, said that her time in the national team has been full of ups and downs. “I had some setbacks in the past, but I don’t want to look back now because the future is brighter,” Limbu said, adding, “Whenever I play, it will be my 50th cap, and that is exciting in itself.”

Nonetheless, the players who have had lesser caps are no less excited for the historic 100th international for the country.

“I am very excited to be part of the national team as I have been learning so much from my seniors,” said 20-year-old Pratiksha Chaudhary, who will be making her debut whenever she enters the field for the national team. “I am ready to give my best whenever the coach wants me.”

Similarly, goalie Usha Nath, who has had three caps for Nepal, said that the new coach had brought new motivation to the team. “It is going to be our 100th match, and we all are looking forward to it,” said Nath.

After facing Laos in what is their 100th game, Nepal will play Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan on July 2 and 5, respectively.

If qualified as the group topper to the Asian Cup in Australia next year, it will be the first time that Nepal enters the tournament after the qualifiers were introduced. Earlier, Nepal participated as the few countries with a women’s team.