Puja Mahato: This victory belongs to all Nepalis

The Nepal Women’s U19 National Team has qualified for the World Cup, marking a historic achievement. Much of the credit goes to Captain Puja Mahato, who played a pivotal role in the World Cup qualifiers, leading the team on this remarkable journey. 

Mahato grew up in Delhi, India, where her father worked. She received her cricket training there while pursuing her early education. “I was more interested in cricket than any other sport,” she shared. Her father, a former cricketer, had to abandon his cricketing dreams due to family responsibilities. However, with his unwavering support, Mahato pursued her passion for cricket, eventually becoming a successful cricketer and leading the Nepali side to this historic milestone. 

ApEx spoke with Mahato about this achievement. Excerpts:

Under your captaincy, the U19 Women’s Team reached the World Cup for the first time. How are you feeling?

I am very happy. This victory belongs to all Nepalis. The whole country is celebrating. We achieved this success with the love, affection, and support of everyone in Nepal. It has only been a year since I joined the team, and I have worked very hard so we could represent Nepal on the world stage in such a short time. My family and cricket supporters have played a significant role in this success. Everyone’s positive contributions have been crucial. 

How did you manage to lead the team to victory?  

We prepared with the single objective of taking Nepal to the World Cup, no matter what. The entire team contributed positively. Once I was given the captaincy, I focused on ensuring we played our best and won the qualifier matches. I had many discussions with my teammates and colleagues, and their positive support was instrumental. Every member of the team worked hard, and as a result, we succeeded in winning this series. 

How much has the cricket team changed since you joined?  

Earlier, there wasn’t an organized playing field, and players had no facilities. They had to manage everything on their own, which was truly unfortunate. At that time, there was little to no involvement or interest from the concerned authorities. Players felt stuck, their morale was low, and they lacked the motivation to showcase their talent. Now, things have gradually improved. Both the central and provincial governments have started including athlete-focused programs in their budgets. This is a positive development for Nepali sports, and I’m happy to see this progress.

What role have the concerned authorities played in the women’s cricket team so far?

For the development of Nepali sports, gradual improvements are being made at the government level. Compared to the past, the progress is evident, especially in the initial phases. However, all three levels of government need to play a more active role in boosting players’ morale. In the absence of necessary support, the senior team couldn’t reach the World Cup. Recently, with improved facilities for players and games, we’ve managed to lead the junior team to this milestone. Let’s hope the situation continues to improve.  

To foster cricket’s development, players’ morale must remain strong, and adequate facilities should be provided across all sports. The government must work to bring every sport in Nepal to the forefront and offer services and facilities aligned with global standards. For international recognition, the government must play as strong a role as the players themselves.  

Nepali players are capable of showcasing their talent when given opportunities. However, they need the government’s support to achieve their full potential. The government must also ensure the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has the resources it needs. At the district level, including Mahottari, there are no cricket grounds, and players lack essential facilities. This requires immediate attention.  

We, as women players, are not weaker than anyone. Our recent achievements in competing globally are a testament to this. Women need encouragement. When given opportunities, every daughter is ready to face challenges head-on. There are many inspiring examples of women achieving greatness when supported. 

What would you like to say to young women aspiring to join this field?

I am a daughter of the Madhesi community and come from a poor family. If I had listened to societal criticism, I would have stayed where I was. However, my father and family ignored the negativity and pushed me forward. I urge the young girls and parents in this region to embrace struggles without fear. Parents must play a strong role in supporting their children’s dreams. Likewise, daughters and sisters should commit to fulfilling their families’ aspirations by staying dedicated to their goals. With determination and family support, every challenge can be overcome.