The preparations for the fourth edition of the Jhapa Gold Cup football tournament scheduled for March 2-11 are on the final phase. The tournament will be held at the Domalal stadium and features 10 teams.

Organising committee president Mahendra Giri said playground is all set to host the event while setting up the temporary parapet is almost done. Five top-tier teams Manang Marshyangdi Club, Three Star Club, Tribhuvan Army Club, Nepal APF Club and Nepal Police Club along with hosts Jhapa XI, Morang XI, Rupandehi XI, Sahara Club of  Pokhara and Hong Kong Nepalese Academy are in fray for the title.

The Army outfits had clinched the first and third edition of the annual tournament while Three Star lifted the second edition title. Hosts Jhapa were the runners-up of all three editions.

The champions will walk away with Rs 1.25 million and the runners-up will get Rs 605,000. The man-of-the-match each day will be rewarded with Rs 11,000 while best goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward will also get cash rewards. The best player of the tournament will receive a two-wheeler.

The organisers are expecting to raise Rs 15 million for the tournament. “We have almost raised Rs eight million so far and we hope to raise Rs 15 million by the end of the tournament. Almost Rs 10 million will be spent to conduct the tournament and hope to save Rs 5 five million,” said Giri.

Giri said hey are planning to set up a separate fund to be used in the development of football in the district. “We have already a surplus of Rs 6 million from the last three editions and hope to add at least another Rs 4 million to establish a Revolving Fund,” added Giri. Jhapa XI have already contracted 10 players on annual basis. Prabesh Katuwal and Yugal Kishor Rai are the team coaches.  

The parapet will have capacity to accommodate 8,000 spectators. The match ticket will also be available through online.