Sports
Hosts Sahara take on NJJYC in opener
Hosts and the defending champions Sahara Club of Pokhara will take on Nawa Jana Jagriti Yuba Club (NJJYC) of Simara in the inaugural match of the 13th Aaha Gold Cup football tournamentPrem Nepali
In all, 12 teams including five top-tier clubs are in fray for the top prize of Rs 4,11,000. The organisers have uniquely set aside the winner’s cheque depending on the draw. While the eventual champions who will open their campaign from pre-quarterfinals will win Rs 4,11,000 but if drawn to play from the quarter-finals will only receive Rs 3,96,000.
The same rule will apply to the runners-up as well. Runners-up starting with pre-quarter-finals match will earn Rs 2,61,000 but in case of starting their campaign from quarter-finals, their pay cheque will be reduced to Rs 2,46,000.
Manang Marshyangdi Club, Three Star, Nepal Police Club, Nepal Armed Police Force Club, Tribhuvan Army Club, Jhapa XI, Lumbini Football Club, Far Western Football Club, Sahara Club and two invitees—Aldershot Town FC of UK and Kanchenjunga FC of India— are the other teams to compete in one of the renowned knockout football tournament of the country.
The most valuable player of the tournament will ride away on a motorcycle while the highest scorer will be rewarded with Rs 15,000. The best keeper, defender, midfielder, forward and coach will also earn Rs 10,000 each, informed the organisers at a press meet here on Sunday. The estimated budget of the tournament is Rs 7.3 million while the hosts hope to raise Rs 9.5 million.