Himalayan News Service

Lalitpur, March 12:

The final round of the Khukuri Cup Football Tournament under the auspices of All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) and under the sponsorship of Surya Nepal Pvt Ltd is all set to kick off from March 14 here at Dasharath Stadium.

The 21-day central level tournament will be participated in by 20 teams, including six teams qualified from the regional tournament, 10 A division clubs, two top teams from the B Division league and two departmental teams of Nepal Police and Royal Nepal Army, said the organisers at a press meet here today.

In the first round tournament held in 37 districts, 425 teams participated and top each from all the districts made it to the regional tournaments held in Hetauda, Nepalgunj and Biratnagar. Top two teams each from all the three venues of the regional tournaments are qualified for the finals.

Amar Jyoti Club of Rupandehi and Kaji Pokhara Youth Club of Kaski qualified from Mid-Western Region, while Kamal Danda Youth Club of Makawanpur and Youth Sports Club of Parsa made it to the finals from Central Region. Similarly, Rolling Club of Jhapa and Youth Sports Club of Dhanusha advanced from the Eastern Region. Mahavir Club and Brigade Boys Club are the top two teams from B Division league.

The participating 20 teams are divided into two groups. Manang Marsyangdi Club, Mahendra Police Club, Mahavir Club, Kathmandu Club, Youth Sports Club, RCT, Boys union Club, Amar Jyoti Club, Brigade Boys Club and Youth Sports Club are in Group A.

Group B comprises of Friends Club, Boys Sports Club, Sankata Club, Tribhuvan Club, Kamal Danda Youth Club, Three Star Club, NRT, Kaji Pokhara Youth Club, Jawalakhel Youth Club and Rolling Club . As per the fixtures, Mahendra Police Club will take on Mahabir Club in the inaugural match.

The first, second, third and fourth position holding teams would recieve a cash prize of Rs 2,00,000, Rs 1,00,000, Rs 50,000 and Rs 25000 respectively along with medals and certificates.

ANFA president Ganesh Thapa and acting general secretary Kumar Jung Thapa expressed their views. Brand managers of Surya Nepal Pvt Ltd Ravi Raj Aryal and Bal Krishna Gurung were also present on the occasion along with other ANFA officials.