POKHARA: Organizer Sahara Club has announced to increase the prize money of the 16th Aaha Rara Gold Cup Football Tournament on Tuesday.

As per the Sahara’s decision, now the winner and runner-up of the tournament will win be rewarded with Rs 701,000 and Rs 351,000 respectively.

The winner and runner-up of the last edition were given Rs 501,000 and Rs 251,000 respectively.

The tournament to be held in Pokhara Stadium from January 20 to February 3 will feature a total of 12 teams.

According to the Sahara’s President Keshav Bahadur Thapa, ‘A’ Division outfits including Manang Marshyangdi Club, Three Star Club, Nepal Police Club, Tribhuvan Army Club, Armed Police Force, Sankata Club will take part in the tournament.

Likewise, Far-western XI Sporting Club, Rumpum Jhapa XI, Dharan Football Club United Sikkim Football Club (India) and Baridhara Club (Bangladesh) are the remaining sides along with host team Sahara to take part in the competition.

Aaha Rara noodles, the product of Him Shree Foods Pvt Ltd, is the title sponsor of the tournament, while Prithvi Highway Bus Entrepreneurs Committee and Eco Water are other sponsors.