Mechinagar municipality emerged victorious in the Om Sai Pathibhara Hospital’s first inter-municipal district-level football tournament at the Mechi Stadium in Bhadrapur.

The tournament, organized to nurture young football talent in the region, witnessed 15 teams from 14 municipalities in Jhapa and the Bhadrapur Blazers team showcasing their skills and determination.

In the day’s opening match, Mechinagar Municipality asserted their dominance over Bahradashi Rural Municipality, securing a convincing 3-0 win. Arun Meche opened the scoring for Mechinagar in the 28th minute, while Niraj Karki sealed the deal with two impressive goals in the 58th and 65th minutes.

Niraj Karki, the star player of the match, received accolades and a trophy from Gold Cup President Dipesh Dhakal, Buddhashanti Rural Municipality President Manoj Prasain, and social worker Pawan Shrestha.

The second match of the day produced a tense and evenly contested affair between Birtamod Municipality and Buddhashanti Rural Municipality, with neither team able to break the deadlock. The game ended in a draw, bringing the league stage of Group A to a close.

Buddhashanti Rural Municipality emerged as the group winner with 4 points, while Birtamod Municipality secured the runner-up spot with 2 points. Haldibari was excluded from contention.

Pawan Nepali of Buddhashanti earned the player of the match title for his outstanding performance, receiving recognition and rewards from Gold Cup President Dipesh Dhakal, Jhapa 11 FC President Jalkumar Gurung, and philanthropist Shyam Prasain.

The knockout stage will feature eight teams, with the winners and runners-up from each group vying for the coveted title. Cash prizes, trophies, medals, and certificates await the triumphant team, with the winner set to receive 3 lakh rupees, while the runner-up will pocket 2 lakh rupees.

Individual excellence will also be rewarded, with the player of the match for each game receiving Rs 2,000 in cash. Additionally, the best goalkeeper, coach, top scorer, and budding player will be honoured with cash prizes, trophies, and medals.

The tournament, estimated to cost 80 lakh rupees, promises a spectacle of football prowess and sportsmanship.