Since the indoor football game, which is played by five players on each side, requires a playing field of only 40 m by 20 m, it has caught on rapidly with sports lovers in increasingly congested Kathmandu.   

For players, futsal has become a popular pastime while for businessmen it has become a very profitable enterprise.

According to owners of futsal venues, there are around 40 futsal fields in the country which have an annual turnover of Rs 150 million. Many futsal venues charge Rs 1,200 to Rs 2,200 per hour depending on the time and days of the week.  

“Football-mania has been increasing among the people, but due to lack of proper places, many enthusiasts have not been able to play their favourite game. So futsal has become the new fad among Nepalis,” said Nawang Nima Lama, owner of Futsal Arena, Thamel.

“Three years ago, there were only five to six futsal fields in the valley.”

According to him, many corporate executives are increasingly coming to play futsal along with teenagers who have a strong football craze. He said that they had been conducting various promotional activities through newspapers, hoarding boards and social networks to inform the people.

Gyanendra Acharya, managing director of Shantinagar Futsal and Sports Centre, said futsal had been growing rapidly as a great training tool for players too.

“Lack of proper playing areas and infrequent tournaments in the country have been a discouragement to footballers, and futsal provides a great opportunity for practice,” he said, adding that futsal could also help develop national football teams. “Many teenagers are coming to play futsal regularly, and they could develop into national players.”

Shantinagar Futsal charges Rs 1,200 per hour during normal hours and Rs 1,500 during holidays and in the mornings and evenings. Nabin Khadka, proprietor of BG Brother’s Health Club, said the popularity of futsal increased rapidly with a growing number of fitness enthusiasts. Khadka added that business had doubled in a year. “There are now 20-22 teams coming to play daily compared to 10-12 teams two years ago,” he said.

“The recently concluded World Cup has also fuelled the football craze leading to a rise in business. Our two fields are packed in the mornings and evenings daily,” he added. “Customers can continue playing whether it rains or shines outside.” Apart from the Kathmandu valley, entrepreneurs have started opening futsal centres in cities like Pokhara, Butwal, Biratnagar, Banepa and Dharan.