19th Elephant & Tourism Festival: Elephant football steals spotlight on day two (photos)
A total of six elephants competed in the football penalty shootout event: Champa Kali, Maruti Kali, Pooja Kali, Basanti Kali ‘A’, Laxmi Kali, and Basanti Kali ‘B’.
SAURAHA, Chitwan: The second day of the 19th Elephant and Tourism Festival–2082 featured the much-anticipated elephant football penalty shootout, drawing large crowds and adding a unique thrill to the ongoing celebrations.
The festival, which began on Poush 11 in Sauraha, is organized by the Regional Hotel Association, Chitwan, and is one of Nepal’s most distinctive tourism events, blending wildlife, culture, and entertainment.
A total of six elephants competed in the football penalty shootout event: Champa Kali, Maruti Kali, Pooja Kali, Basanti Kali ‘A’, Laxmi Kali, and Basanti Kali ‘B’.
The participating elephants represent various tourism and hospitality organizations. Champa Kali represents United Elephant Operation Cooperative Limited, Basanti Kali ‘A’ is from the Regional Hotel Association Nepal, Chitwan, while Basanti Kali ‘B’ represents the Restaurant and Bar Association Nepal.
Pooja Kali is from Nikunj Safari Pvt. Ltd., Maruti Kali represents the Sauraha Jeep and Boat Booking Center, and Laxmi Kali is participating on behalf of the Kasara Tourism Entrepreneurs Committee.
According to the organizers, each elephant will take five penalty shots against every other competitor. The elephant scoring the highest number of goals overall will be declared the winner of the competition.
The final match and winner announcement will take place tomorrow, Poush 13, coinciding with the final day of the festival.
Photos:
-Saroj Basnet
