Hosts Jhapa-11 Edge Nepal Police in Season Opener of Seventh Jhapa Gold Cup Football Tournament

Jhapa. The seventh edition of the Jhapa Gold Cup football tournament began today. In the opening match held at the Domalal Rajbanshi Stadium in Birtamod, the host Jhapa-11 Football Club secured a victorious start by defeating Nepal Police Club by a score of 2-1.

Jhapa-11, supported by a significant crowd of local spectators, presented an excellent performance from the start. In the competitive match, the Police Club scored the first goal with an excellent display early on. However, Jhapa-11 subsequently scored two goals to ensure the victory.

The 'Extreme Seventh Jhapa Gold Cup Late Binod Basnet Memorial Edition International Invitation Knockout Football Tournament' was inaugurated by Birtamod Municipality Mayor Pabitra Mahatara Prasai. The opening ceremony was chaired by Jhapa Gold Cup President Kedar Giri.

During the ceremony, Sampatti Rajbanshi, daughter of the late social worker Domalal Rajbanshi, was honored with Rs 1 lakh. On the same occasion, a half-body statue of the late Rajbanshi, who donated approximately 14 bighas of land in the name of Deviguthi, was also unveiled.

Jhapa Gold Cup Senior Vice President Gajendra Poudel delivered the welcome speech. The event was attended by Chief District Officer Shivaram Gelal, District Police Office Jhapa Superintendent of Police Vasundhara Khadka, along with chiefs and deputy chiefs of various local levels, chief administrative officers, and other dignitaries.

The winner of the Jhapa Gold Cup, recognized as a prestigious tournament in the region, will receive a prize of Rs 1.5 million, and the runner-up will receive Rs 750,000. The Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament will be awarded a motorcycle. Furthermore, the top scorer, best goalkeeper, and best coach will each receive a prize of Rs 35,000, organizers announced.

The 'Player of the Match' in every game will be awarded Rs 21,000. The sponsorship for the category awards is provided by a team including Roshanlal Shrestha, a resident of the USA. A total of 10 teams are participating in the tournament: Tribhuvan Army Club, Nepal Police Club, APF Club, Machhindra Club, Church Boys United, Laligurans Club Pokhara, Royal Thimphu College (Bhutan), Singling Sport Club (India), AN Penang Football Club (Malaysia), and the host Jhapa-11.

This tournament, organized since 2072 BS with the goal of developing Jhapa as a football hub, is considered popular among football enthusiasts in Eastern Nepal. This year, a veteran footballer from Jhapa will also be honored with a cash prize of Rs 25,000, organizers stated. The tournament will feature a match between Tribhuvan Army Club and Church Boys United on Sunday.