By Bootballer Desk • Football • Feb 10, 2025 14:39 PM • 187 views
Birtamod, – B Division side Planning Boys Kathmandu secured the title of the eighth edition of the Nawa Jyoti Challenge Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Sunsari's New Star FC in the final held at Jaipur, Buddhashanti, Jhapa.
Planning Boys claimed the championship trophy, medals, and a cash prize of Rs 225,000 with this triumph. Runners-up New Star FC, despite a valiant effort, had to settle for Rs 125,000, a trophy, and medals.
Planning Boys' Yuvraj Puri was named Best Goalkeeper in individual accolades, while New Star's Milan Limbu took home the Top Scorer award. Anil Giri, representing hosts Nawa Jyoti Youth Club, was recognized as the Emerging Player. Each received Rs 10,000, along with a trophy. The tournament's Best Player honour went to Pratap Rai of Planning Boys, earning him Rs 15,000 and a trophy. Rai had also been named Player of the Match in two previous encounters.
The final saw an electrifying start, with Jhapali defender Rajesh Shah netting twice in the 4th and 8th minutes to give Planning Boys an early advantage. The lead was extended in the 66th minute when Armaan Bedong sealed the victory with a well-taken goal.
Planning Boys India advanced to the semi-finals with an impressive victory over Manebhanjyang FC of Darjeeling before overcoming hosts Nawa Jyoti Youth Club to book their place in the final.
The winners and runners-up were honoured in a grand closing ceremony attended by chief guest Buddhashanti Rural Municipality President Manoj Prasai, Vice President Bhawani Khatiwada, Jhapa District Football Association General Secretary Sher Bahadur Basnet, Club President Gopal Pokharel, Vice President Bharat Khatiwada, Jyoti Shrestha, Secretary Mukesh Bhattarai, and other dignitaries.
