Gachhiya Youth clinch Itahari Gold Cup title

KATHMANDU: Gachhiya Youth Society lifted the 16th International Invitational Itahari Gold Cup, defeating Budha Subba Gold Cup Champion Planning Boys United 1–0 in a night final at Itahari Stadium on Monday.

The decisive moment came late in the match when Dorje Tamang scored in the 87th minute. The goal followed a corner taken by Rambaji, which deflected off a Planning defender before Tamang capitalized to seal the victory.

Tamang was named Man of the Match and received Rs 10,000. The champions Gachhiya earned a cash prize of Rs 1 million, while runners-up Planning Boys United took home Rs 500,000.

Gachhiya’s Sujan Chaudhary was declared the tournament’s Best Player, earning Rs 100,000. From Planning Boys United, Nigma Ghising was named Best Defender and Pratap Singh Rai Best Midfielder.

Gachhiya dominated individual categories, with Bishal Sunar named Best Goalkeeper, Sujan Dhungel Best Forward, and Arjun Basnet Best Coach. Each received Rs 20,000.

Planning Boys captain Faguram Tharu finished as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals, securing Rs 25,000.

Yujen Rai of Rastriya Jagriti Club was awarded the Emerging Player and received a 32-inch LED TV.

In the semifinals, Planning Boys United thrashed Satdobato Youth Club Lalitpur 6–1 to book their place in the final, while Gachhiya defeated defending champions Machhindra Football Club to advance.

Earlier, Gachhiya had overcome Nigerian side Justjone FC in the quarterfinals.

Organized by Rastriya Jagriti Club, the tournament featured eight teams, including two foreign sides, and began on Chaitra 30.