Kathmandu, July 3
The 2016 Euro Cup football is about to reach its climax, but excitement among fans is no where near that during the World Cup.
If sales of football jerseys is to be considered, Nepali football fans do not watch the Euro Cup with the same enthusiasm as they watch the World Cup, shopkeepers say.
“Less people came looking for jerseys than expected,” said Kamal Dhital, who works at Bhadrakali Sports Centre in Kathmandu.”
“We have noticed that Nepalis are more interested in the World Cup than the Euro Cup or Copa America,” he said.
Similar is the experience of Gyan Bahadur Waiba, owner of GS Sport Wear in Jawalakhel. “We have sold about 9-10 jerseys only since the Euro Cup and Copa America began. But during the World Cup, we would sell as many in a single day.”
According to the sellers, a jersey costs around Rs 700-1,000, depending on quality.
Most of the people who visit stores to buy jerseys are youngsters who have just passed their SLC and high school exams, says Dhital. Prakash KC, a student who is on vacation, said “I bought a jersey so that our gang can sit together and watch the game.”
Although sales of jerseys of national sides picks up during big tournaments, that of clubs in the Champions League and La Liga are always in demand with Barcelona, Manchester United and Byern Munich being the favourites.
(Intern reporter)
