Exciting Start: Pokhara Gold Cup Kicks Off with Police Club Victory

The city of Pokhara, the capital of Gandaki Province, has kicked off the prestigious national and international football tournament, the Rara Pokhara Gold Cup, on Tuesday. The tournament is being held at the Pokhara Stadium and is scheduled to run until February 3rd. The opening match saw Sahara Club defeating the Departmental Nepal Police Club 1-0, securing their spot in the quarter-finals.

The winning goal was scored by Police’s Ujjwal Rai in the 36th minute, utilizing a corner kick to clinch victory. Following their loss, Sahara Club exits the competition after their first match. The inauguration of the tournament was previously presided over by the Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City, where he highlighted the event’s success in promoting the city as a hub for sports and tourism on an international level.

Representative Ramesh Khatri from Kansai Nepal News expressed his views on the event, commending the efforts to elevate the tournament to an international standard and promote sports tourism in the capital city.

In addition to honoring outstanding national football players, the tournament organizers presented Sanish Shrestha, a defender for the national team, with the Best National Football Player award. Mayor Acharya honored Shrestha with a cash prize of NPR 50,000 along with a certificate. Shrestha, who has been part of the national team for the past seven years, was recognized for his contributions to Nepali football.

The tournament, in its 24th edition, will feature nine Nepali and three foreign teams competing for the title. Among the participating clubs are Sahara Club, Nepal Police Club, Three Star Club, Machhindra Football Club, Sankata Club, Brigade Boys Club, NRT Football Club, APF Power Club, Church Boys United Football Club, and others.

Furthermore, international teams such as Brigade Boys Club from Bhutan, Thunderbolt North United from India, and Black Bulls Football Club from Uzbekistan will also be participating in the competition. President of Sahara Club Pokhara, Keshavraj Baral, shared that the winners will receive a cash prize of NPR 1.2 million, along with shields, medals, and certificates, while the runners-up will be awarded NPR 500,000, along with shields, medals, and certificates.

Additionally, the tournament will recognize the best player with a scooter award. Various individual categories, including top goal scorer, best defender, goalkeeper, midfielder, striker, and coach, will receive a cash prize of NPR 25,000 each, along with a trophy. The Fair Play team will also be rewarded with a trophy and cash prize. Sahara Club’s General Secretary Ramji Prasad Adhikari provided details on these accolades.

The tournament’s proceeds will support Sahara Academy, providing free accommodation and football training to underprivileged children. The academy currently houses 30 boys in its fourth batch.


Author: MAYA | HARUTO
Posted at: February 5, 2025 3:03 am