Gambhir Rai, a renowned football player who brought fame to Jhapa through his talent since the 1940s, passed away from a heart attack on Sunday, July 28th. Family sources confirmed that the 56-year-old resident of Bhadrapur-10 Chandragadhi, Jhapa’s headquarters, died while undergoing treatment. Rai, who had been battling diabetes, had been unwell for several days before suffering the fatal heart attack.
Gambhir Jhapali, as he was affectionately known, was synonymous with football in Jhapa. He was one of the pioneering players who laid the foundations for the sport in the district. Notably, he is also the ancestor of Hari Khadka, a prominent footballer from Jhapa.
Gambhir’s passion for football began in his childhood, eventually leading him to establish himself as an international player. He completed his SLC from Birendra High School, Chandragadhi, in 2044. Despite his parents’ initial hesitation, they ultimately supported his decision to pursue football over higher education, which further fueled his determination.
Starting his football journey at the age of 14, Gambhir became a key member of the U-16, U-19, and National Youth Football Teams. He played in several prestigious tournaments, including the 19th Men’s Trophy Cup in Hetaunda in 2045, Pokhara in 2046, and Birgunj in 2048. In 2049, he traveled to Bangladesh to participate in the U-16 tournament, where his memorable penalty shootout goals against India and Pakistan earned him lasting admiration.
