Far West XI Sports Club is organising the first International Invitational Khaptad Gold Cup football tournament from January 5-14.

The tournament is one of the biggest in the region, both in terms of teams participation and prize money. The tournament will see six top tier outfits of the country joining three regional teams and one side each from Delhi and Kolkata who have already confirmed their participation. 

The tournament will have a total of 12 teams vying for the title at the Dhangadi Stadium. In an event that has an estimated budget of seven million rupees, the champions will get Rs 500,000 and runners-up will walk away with Rs 251,000. The best player will ride a motorcycle. 

Also, the best players in positions – goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward – along with the best coach will get Rs 15,000 apiece. Each man-of-the-match is also offered cash prizes, informed the organisers during a press conference in Kathmandu.

National League champions Three Star Club, Manang Marshyangdi, Nepal Armed Police Force, Tribhuvan Army, Sankata and Nepal Police Club are the ‘A’ Division clubs who will be joined by Sahara Club of Pokhara and one each from the hosts and Mid-west Region. 

Far West XI Sports Club President Suresh Hamal said a huge challenge awaits them to successfully host a tournament of such magnitude. “Some of the football loving people in the region have united to bring back football activities in the region. We have approached few corporate houses to cover up the cost but yet to get any confirmation,” said Hamal. 

“However, even if we don’t manage to collect amount from the sponsors, we are confident to host the event,” added the president. Far West XI is a club that participated in the first edition of National League in Kathmandu.