Birth: 1972, Lalitpur
Death: 4 October 2021, Lalitpur

Laba Khatri, a former FIFA referee, dedicated his life to football.

Khatri was an avid follower of the game since his school days, and with constant support of friends and family, decided to pursue a career in it.

Stepping into the field at the age of 17, Khatri played for the Kathmandu-based Friends’ Club. He then played top division football for Brigade Boys Club, Jawalakhel Youth Club, and Three Star Club. Besides Nepal, he also got to showcase his footballing skills with different clubs in India.

Khatri’s passion for football fluttered as he got more opportunities at the Three Star Club, and  he started playing more national and international games.

His career took a new turn when he got injured while playing in India 1997: having sustained major injuries to his left leg, he had to stop playing to avoid further damage. But that could not take him away from football. After 10 years of playing, he decided to become a referee as he already had the experience of refereeing a couple of games even in his playing days.

In 2005 he completed his AFC Elite referee course from Bangladesh and went on to run games for some of the strongest clubs of Nepal like Tribhuvan Army Club, Manang Marshyangdi Club, Nepal Police Club, and Three Star Club.

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After three years, he participated in FIFA referee training and started refereeing at FIFA games. In 2008, he would run the opening match of Aaha! Gold Cup.

He was easily one of the country’s best referees. Being able to be present on the field and run the game despite his inability to play made him happy. He continued contributing to football in one way or the other throughout his lifetime and his love for football never disappeared.

After refereeing for 17 years, he retired following his final match on 31 December 2017.

He believed refereeing was a thankless job. But he acknowledged that it taught him loyalty and dedication, and he earned immense respect of players and fans. He was grateful to have left the field with such appreciation.

Khatri passed away at the age of 49 on 4 October 2021 after collapsing in his bathroom and hitting his head whereupon he lost consciousness. He later died in the hospital. Khatri is survived by his wife and son.