16th Red Bull Itahari Gold Cup Football Tournament Kicks Off Today

Sunsari. The 16th edition of the International Invitational Red Bull Itahari Gold Cup football tournament begins today in Itahari, Sunsari.

Organized by the Rastriya Jagriti Club, the opening match will be held under floodlights at the Itahari Stadium at 6:30 PM, featuring a clash between Just Zone FC Nigeria and Yuwa Samaj Morang.

The tournament, which runs until Baisakh 7, will feature eight teams from Nepal and India. Tournament coordinator Anurodh Thapa stated that the winner will receive Rs 1 million, while the runner-up will receive Rs 500,000.

The top scorer of the tournament will be awarded Rs 25,000. Additionally, the best player will receive Rs 100,000, players excelling in various categories will receive Rs 20,000, and the 'Man of the Match' will be awarded Rs 10,000, coordinator Thapa informed.

Under the tournament schedule, Machhindra Club Kathmandu will face Jhapa-11 Football Club on Baisakh 1. Similarly, Rastriya Jagriti Club, Itahari will play against Satdobato Youth Club, Lalitpur on Baisakh 2. The organizers stated that Planning Boys, Kathmandu will compete against United Kharsang FC of India on Baisakh 3.

The semi-final matches between the first-round winners will be held on Baisakh 4 and 5, while the final match of the tournament is scheduled for Baisakh 7. Last year, the tournament title was won by Machhindra Club, Kathmandu, while Church Boys United Club finished as the runner-up.