By Bootballer Desk • Off-Field • Mar 07, 2025 15:05 PM • 292 views
Jhapa – The stage is set for the much-anticipated fifth edition of the Mechinagar Gold Cup, with all preparations now complete. The tournament, organized by the Kakarbhitta Football Training Center, will commence on Saturday with an exciting opening clash between the host team and Indian side Georgian FC at 2 PM at the Kakarbhitta Ground.
During a press conference on Friday, the organizers assured that the competition will be held grandly, with all matches broadcast live on Kheladi.com. In a special gesture to mark International Women's Day, women will be granted free entry to the opening match, while senior citizens will enjoy free access throughout the tournament.
Tournament governing body coordinator and former Honorable MLA Shri Prasad Mainali emphasized the long-term vision of transforming Mechinagar into a central sporting hub in Nepal. "Developing a playable field was a significant challenge, but we have achieved it. Our long-term goal includes constructing a permanent parapet for spectators. Mechinagar has the potential to be a centre for both football and cricket," he stated.
The tournament, with an estimated budget of Rs 10 million, has seen the construction of a temporary parapet accommodating 6,000 spectators. MP Gopal Tamang will inaugurate the event, while Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Karki will be the chief guest at the closing ceremony.
Former Mechinagar mayor and tournament co-coordinator Bimal Acharya highlighted the event's swift execution, completed within just 20 days of preparation. "We are committed to putting Mechinagar on the sporting map. We guarantee a grand tournament despite the short timeline," Acharya affirmed.
Jhapa District Football Association President Bhagirath Ale (Mama), Kakarbhitta Football Training Center President Nawaraj Oli, and former KFTC president Min Bahadur Basnet, among others, attended the press conference.
Prize Pool and Tournament Format
The Jhapa District Football Association and Mechinagar Sports Development Committee will technically support the tournament. The champions will take home a cash prize of Rs 10,00,000, while the runners-up will receive Rs 500,000. 
Individual accolades include:
Best Player of the Tournament: Rs 51,000
Top Scorer: Rs 25,000
Best Goalkeeper & Best Coach: Rs 21,000 each
Emerging Player Award: Rs 15,000
Player of the Match (each game): Rs 11,000
High-Profile Clashes Await Fans
The tournament promises electrifying fixtures, with some of Nepal's top clubs and an international side competing for glory.
March 8 (Saturday): Kakadbhitta Football Training Center vs Georgian FC (India)
March 9 (Sunday): Martyrs' Memorial A Division League champions Church Boys United vs. NSL side Jhapa FC
March 10 (Monday): Uzbekistan's Black Bulls FC vs. Dharan FC
March 11(Tuesday): Machhindra FC vs. Nepal APF Football Club
With top-tier teams, international participation, and a vision for long-term sports development, the Mechinagar Gold Cup is set to be a landmark event in Nepal's football calendar.
