Lalitpur, February 4

Abhishek Church of Nawalparasi won the title of the Ruslan Jawalakhel Cup Veteran Football Tournament here at the Jawalakhel Youth Club grounds today.

Abhishek Church defeated Bagar Bhaikhalak of Pokhara 3-1 in penalty shoot out after a goalless draw in the 40 minutes of regulation period and 10 minutes extra time. Chakra Pun, Rabindra Shrestha and Deepak Karki converted from the spot for Abhishek Church after Bagar Bhaikhalak’s goalkeeper Rabin Shahi had saved first two shots from Yam Bahadur Gurung and Narku Tamang.

After Himal Thapa and Bishal Gurung of Bagarbhai Khalak failed to convert their strikes, Manoj Thapa converted his shot to make it 1-1 after three shots each. Abhishek Church goalie Jeet Bahadur Tamang ensured his team’s victory by saving Dilli Ram Shrestha’s shot in the dramatic shoot out.

Champions Abhishek Church earned Rs 100,000, while runners-up Bagar Bhaikhalak received Rs 50,000. Bagar Bhaikhalak’s Dhan Kumar Gurung was adjudged the best player of the tournament and got Rs 15,000. Jit Bahadur Tamang of Abhishek Church won the

man-of-the-match award, while his teammates Jit Bahadur Pun and Chakra Pun were best defender and striker respectively. Likewise, Bagar Bhaikhalak’s Rabin Shahi got the best goalkeeper’s award. The individual award winners earned Rs 5,000 along with mountain flight tickets from Buddha Air.

A total of 14 teams took part in the tournament organised by Jawalakhel Youth Club.

Health Minister Gagan Thapa, Honorary President of All Nepal Football Association Tashi Ghale, JYC President Thulobhai KC and President of Nepal Tarun Dal Jit Jung Pandey among others handed over the trophies to the winners of the tournament.