Sports is for recreation and fraternity. Working for the poor and vulnerable communities most of the time, the staff of international non-governmental organizations need a break now and then. Association for International NGOs (AIN) in Nepal provided them with such an occasion by organising a 3-week long FUTSAL tournament.

The matches were played in various ways. Social Welfare Council and AIN played one match before the formal tournament began. Finally, chief secretary Leela Mani Paudyal attended the program as the chief guest and gave away the trophies to the winners and runners-up.

Along with strengthening the feeling of fraternity among INGO staffers, the tournament also provided an opportunity to enhance the relations between SWC and INGOs as well as INGOs and the government. Chief secretary Paudyal’s presence as the chief guest also indicated government’s appreciation of the role by INGOs.

Participated in by 22 AIN members, second AIN FUTSAL drew a lot of attention from INGOs working in Nepal.  Out of the teams, World Mobilization won the AIN Trophy. World Mobilization a Brazilian INGO working in Nepal in the sector of women and children against human trafficking by way of providing scholarship and shelter support for victims. World Mobilization defeated Practical Action Nepal by 3-1. In the tournament, FHI 360 took the third place.

The runner-up Practical Action was last year's winner. Action Aid won the title of the most Inclusive Team. Most Fair Play Team went to FHI 360. The highest scorer was Sumit Shah of Save the Children, Best Goalie was Yugan Manandhar of WWF, Best Female player was Anjana KC from Helen Keller and Best Male player was Leonardo Santos of World Mobilization, Brazil. The winners received awards and trophies.

Eight teams, FHI 360, Practical Action, Save the Children, World Mobilization, VSO, Room to Read, WWF and World Vision, reached the quarter final stage. Practical Action, World Mobilization, FHI 360 made it to the last leg.

AIN chair Ashutosh Tiwari and chief secretary Paudyal spoke about the importance of the tournament.

“We are delighted to share that the Spectacular 2nd AIN CUP Futsal ended with fanfare and glory on 10 May 2014. It was truly a moment of pride for AIN when the Chief Secretary of the Government of Nepal Leela Mani Paudyal graced the final event and handed over trophies to the winning teams,” said a press release of AIN.

AIN Futsal had kick started with a Friendly Match between SWC Member Secretary Rabindra Kumar's team and AIN Steering Committee and EDP Members on 26 April 2014. AIN Team had scored eight goals and SWC made one. 

“AIN is thankful to all the 22 Teams who put up a great show with true sportsmanship and team spirit. AIN appreciates the management company JJ Sultans for keeping the AIN Futsal Legacy at its best,” said the press release.