10-16 May 2013 #655
Hall of football
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Just two years ago there was only one arena at the Godavari Alumnae Association (GAA) in Thamel. Started by brothers Nawang Nima Lama and Tsering Norbu Lama, the centre recently celebrated its second anniversary last month. And despite the growing competition GAA is still the most popular ground. “When I was living in Bangkok, I really loved playing futsal and I thought it would be the perfect game to introduce in Kathmandu,” says Nima.
With open spaces dwindling at a phenomenal pace in Kathmandu Valley, children today no longer have places to play or meet with friends in the neighbourhood. futsal is gradually filling in this gap. Pranay Singh, 18, is a regular at GAA and admits he is addicted to the game, “Once you play futsal, you don’t want to play any other sports,” he says.
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Most facilities charge between Rs 1500-2000 per hour with weekends and rush hours (early mornings and late evenings) slightly more expensive and crowded. So what are you waiting for? Jump aboard the futsal mania and start bending it like popular Brazilian star Fãlcao.
The Futsal Arena, GAA Hall
Thamel, (01)4433515, 9851046836
X-cel Recreational Centre
Baluwatar, 9841595814
The Futsal Factory
Swoyambhu, 9841224822
Prismatic Futsal and Recreational Centre
Sanepa, 9841934471/9841243840
Anta Grass Recreational Centre
Mandikatar, (01)437576
Sherpa Futsal Centre
Mahankal, Boudha, (01)4481937