By Sachit Subba • Football • Jul 31, 2025 13:56 PM • 87 views
Jhapa, Nepal — Eastern Nepal's fertile footballing heartland is preparing for a historic chapter in women's sport, as Jhapa gears up to host its first-ever International Women's Gold Cup this November.
The tournament will kick off from Kartik 15 (October 31) at the newly built Dudhe Stadium in Shivsatakshi Municipality-10, marking not only a milestone in women's football development but also the official inauguration of the stadium.
According to Santosh Thopra, the president of the organising committee, the tournament aims to "uplift hidden talent from rural areas and promote women's empowerment through sport." It's a bold initiative in a region long celebrated for its contributions to Nepali football—but until now, primarily dominated by the men's game.
The grandeur of the competition is heightened by its international scope and impressive prize money. Top women's teams from Nepal's three powerhouse departmental sides—Army, APF, and Police Club—will clash with invited teams from India and Bhutan, promising a thrilling battle for the title.
(photo by -speakcorner/BINOD PANDEY)
Adding to the excitement, two 'A' Division women's clubs and the host team will also compete, bringing the total number of participating teams to eight. The mix of domestic and international lineups is expected to inject both prestige and competitive flair into the tournament. More than just a sporting event, the tournament is also a celebration of infrastructure progress in the region. The Dudhe Stadium, which will host the matches, has already seen an investment of over NPR 21.8 million. According to Mayor Meghahang Thopra, an additional NPR 30 million has been allocated by the federal government, and NPR 5 million from the municipality to complete the remaining works. This pioneering women's tournament is set not only to amplify Jhapa's reputation as a football stronghold but also to inspire a generation of young girls dreaming of the big stage. With the spotlight firmly fixed on Dudhe, the countdown to a new era in Nepali women's football has well and truly begun.
