Jhapa [Nepal], November 23: In an exciting opening match to the much-anticipated Om Sai Pathivara Hospital Inter-Municipal District League and Knockout Football Tournament, Haldibari Rural Municipality and Birtamod Municipality played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Mechi stadium in Bhadrapur on Thursday.
Haldibari took the lead early on through Hiran Rajbanshi’s strike in the 28th minute. However, their joy was short-lived as Sujanbikram Limbu levelled the score for Birtamod just three minutes later.
The second half saw Birtamod take the lead for the first time through Roman Bhujel in the 62nd minute. But Haldibari captain Bikash Jabegu restored parity with a goal in the 76th minute, ensuring both teams a share of the points.
For his impressive performance, Hiran Rajbanshi of Haldibari was adjudged the player of the match and received a cash prize of 2000 rupees along with a trophy from Gold Cup President Dipesh Dhakal, Jhapa District Sports Development Committee President Prashant Bhandari, and Tirtharaj Dhakal.
Earlier, the tournament was inaugurated by former Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula, who highlighted the importance of such events in promoting and nurturing young football talents in Jhapa. Bhadrapur mayor Ganesh Pokharel and Om Sai Pathibhara Hospital president Deepak Pokharel also supported the tournament at the event.

A total of 15 teams from 14 municipalities in Jhapa are competing in the tournament, with Bhadrapur Blazers acting as the organizers. The teams have been divided into four groups:
Group A: Haldibari, Birtamod, and Buddhashanti
Group B: Kankai, Bhadrapur Blazers, Jhapa, and Gauradaha
Group C: Kachankawal, Baharadashi, Mechinagar, and Bhadrapur
Group D: Kamal, Damak, Shivasatakshi, and Arjundhara
The top two teams from each group will advance to the eight-team knockout stage.
The tournament winner will receive a cash prize of 3 lakh rupees, along with a trophy, medals, and certificates. The runner-up will receive 2 lakh rupees in cash, plus a trophy, medals, and certifications. Players of the match will receive Rs 2,000 in cash, while the tournament’s best player will be rewarded with 10,000 rupees, a trophy, and a medal.
Individual awards for the best goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, forward, and coach will include 5000 rupees, a trophy, and a medal each. The estimated cost for organizing the competition is around 80 lakh rupees.