In the final to be held on the occasion of Maghe Sankranti, Sekaha Community Club and Makalu Friends Club from Sankhuwasabha will face off for the title.
What you should know
The excitement of football is now beating the cold of the month of Poush in Khandbari, the headquarters of Sankhuwasabha. The third edition of the Tinpokhari Cup football tournament underway at the Khandbari Stadium has turned the district into the center of a 'football festival'. The atmosphere in the stadium is heated with spectators gathered around the field, the rhythm of the referee's whistle, and the enthusiasm of the players.
The winner of the competition organized by Tinpokhari Club will receive Rs 251,000 and the runner-up Rs 121,000. But more than the cash prize, the pride of lifting the prestigious trophy has become the main goal of the players and clubs.
For this prestige, the participating clubs have spent up to Rs 500,000 to win the title and signed experienced players of the 'A' division and national level. These players are paid Rs 5,000 to 10,000 per match.
Although expensive investment is a challenge for the clubs, they seem ready to take risks for the title and honor. When national-level players take the field, the stadium is shaken by the hooting of the spectators sitting on the parapet. According to Bimal Baniya of Tinpokhari, such a scene is historic for Khandbari.
Eight strong teams, including Chulachuli Sporting Club of Jhapa, Belka Youth Club of Udayapur, and APF Pakali of Sunsari, participated in the competition. Khandbari Youth Club, Makalu Friends Club, Sekaha Community Club and Shittalpati Youth Club have performed excellently in front of the home field and spectators, competing against experienced teams from the Terai. It has shown an exciting clash between 'experience' and 'passion' on the field.
According to Bharat Kumar Ghimire, President of the District Football Association, this tournament has become not just a game but a celebration of pride and enthusiasm. 'Sports are not only entertainment, but also a means of discipline and social change. It has given a platform to the hidden talents of the rural areas,' he said.
According to Minesh Chapagain, President of the organizing club, everyone's attention is focused on the final match to be held on Thursday, Magh 1. In the final to be held on the occasion of Maghe Sankranti, Sekaha Community Club from Sankhuwasabha and Makalu Friends Club will face off for the title.
After all the teams from outside the district have been eliminated, the final between the two domestic teams is expected to further enhance Khandbari's love for football. Makalu and Sekaha, which reached the finals, have also brought in a full set of players from outside and entered the competition. He said that investments worth lakhs, the skills of professional players, and the support of thousands of spectators are establishing Khandbari as a new 'hub' of football.
