Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, February 8

All Nepal Football Association and Surya Nepal Pvt Ltd are jointly organising the Khukuri Cup Football Tournament from February 15.

The one and half month tournament is divided into three phases — district level tournament, regional level tournament, and final round.

According to the organisers, the district level tournament will be played in 36 districts with minimum 10 teams in each district from February 15-23. The winner each from the district level tournament will advance to the regional tournament to be held in Biratnagar, Nepalgunj and Hetaunda from February 28.

Out of the 36 district teams, winners from Chitwan, Makawanpur, Bara, Parsa, Rautahat, Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Nuwakot, Dolkha, Kavrepalanchowk and Sindhupalchowk will play in Hetaunda. Likewise, Baglung, Kaski, Lamjung, Tanahu, Nawalparasi, Palpa, Rupandehi, Banke, Dang, Kailali, Kanchanpur and Surkhet will play at Nepalgunj.

Top teams from Dhankuta, Dhanusha, Ilam, Jhapa, Mohattari, Morang, Panchthar, Saptari, Sarlahi, Siraha, Sunsari and Udaypur will play at Biratnagar Rangasala.

The final round will be held in Kathmandu from March 15-April 3 and 20 teams will play for the Khukuri Cup. Top two teams from all the three venues from the regional tournaments, 12 ‘A’ division clubs and the departmental teams of Royal Nepal Army and Nepal Police will play in the final round to be held at Dasharath Stadium.

From this year, the district teams has been increased to 36 from 30, said the oganisers at a press meet here today.

The winner of the tournament will get Rs 2,00,000 along with Khukuri Cup and certificates, while the runner-up will receive Rs 1,00,000. The third and the fourth place holders will be given Rs 50,000 and Rs 25,000 respectively. The best player of the tournament will be awarded Rs 10,000.

ANFA president Ganesh Thapa and Surya Nepal Pvt Ltd brand manager Rabi Raj Aryal expressed their views on the occasion. Surya Nepal Pvt Ltd brand manager Bal Krishna Gurung, ANFA vice president Narendra Shrestha, ANFA spokesperson Lalit Krishna Shrestha were also present on the occasion.