Bhadrapur, Nepal – November 18, 2023 – In a momentous announcement at the Mechi Stadium in Bhadrapur, the organizers of the Bhadrapur Jhapa Gold Cup unveiled the match schedule for the upcoming Om Sai Pathivara Hospital First Jhapa League. The ceremony, attended by representatives from the participating municipalities, marked a significant step in the preparation for the inter-municipality district-level league and knockout football tournament.

15 Teams from 14 Municipalities to Compete

The 18-day spectacle will adopt the format of the FIFA World Cup, featuring 15 teams from 14 municipalities of Jhapa and the Bhadrapur Blazers team, the host’s representative. Notably, Gourigunj rural municipality opted out.

Group Stage and Knockout Format

As Secretary-General Jeevan Kumar Shrestha divulged, tournament logistics include dividing the 15 teams into four groups.

• Group A comprises Haldibari, Birtamod, and Buddhashanti;
• Group B features Kankai, Bhadrapur Blazers, Jhapa, and Gauradaha;
• Group C consists of Kachankawal, Bahardashi, Mechinagar, and Bhadrapur;
• While Group D encompasses Kamal, Damak, Shivasatakshi, and Arjundhara.

Advancing teams, the winners, and runners-up of each group will proceed to the eight-team knockout stage.

Substantial Prizes for Victors

The stakes are high, with the ultimate victor claiming a substantial reward of cash 3 lakh, along with a trophy, medal, and certificate. The runner-up will stay upright, receiving money 2 lakh, a trophy, a medal, and a certificate.

Individual Awards for Brilliant Performances

Individual brilliance will be acknowledged with the player of the match earning Rs 2,000 in cash, while the tournament’s best player will be awarded 10,000 rupees, along with a trophy and medal. Furthermore, distinctions await the best goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, forward, and coach, each receiving 5000 rupees and a trophy and medal.

Overall Cost Estimated at 80 Lakh Rupees

The overall cost to execute this riveting competition is estimated at 80 lakh rupees.

Prominent Figures Grace the Event

Distinguished figures such as Bhadrapur Municipality Mayor Ganesh Pokharel, AFC Development Officer Purushottam Kattel, ANFA Technical Director Hari Khadka, Gold Cup Chief Advisor Tikaraj Dhakal, and others graced the public program unveiling the match schedule.

Tournament to Captivate Football Enthusiasts

Commencing on November 7, the Jhapa League, following the grandeur of the Bhadrapur Jhapa Gold Cup International Knockout Football Tournament in February, is set to captivate football enthusiasts until the final showdown on November 24 at the Mechi Stadium.

Nurturing Young Football Prospects

Bhagirath Ale Mama, the Technical Coordinator, revealed that the inaugural match would showcase the talents of Haldibari Rural Municipality and Birtamod Municipality, emphasizing the tournament’s goal of nurturing young football prospects in Jhapa, a region renowned for its footballing prowess.