National Team Players in Queens

Usha Bhandari and Laxmi Paudel have achieved what many kids dream of, but few reach. Playing for the Nepal National Team was an unforgettable experience. But debuting with your childhood friend made it even sweeter.

Today they run Namaste Wireless in Jackson Heights, keeping New Yorkers connected to one another and to family back home. Between sales of cell phones, speakers, and concert tickets, they are always talking about football. Retired professionals watch the game a little differently than the rest of us.

They still play whenever they can. And just like their favorite player, Cristiano Ronaldo, their bodies don’t always move the way their minds want them to. Because once you’ve played on a National level, the game never really leaves you.

Directed & Produced by Michael Premo, Rachel Falcone, Jean-Michel Dissard

Cinematography by Michael Premo, Martin Dicicco

Editing by Edgar Andrade, Lindsey Cordero

Sound by Nate Birnbaum

A Storyline series.

We are Public Artists in Residence for New York City’s celebration of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The residency is coordinated through the NYC Dept. of Cultural Affairs in partnership with NYC Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani.