Jhapa 11 clinch ‘Nobel Birat Gold Cup’ title
Along with the title, Jhapa 11 received Rs 1.1 million in prize money, while runners-up Samrat Sporting Club earned Rs 500,000.
KATHMANDU: Jhapa 11 secured the title of the 38th edition of ‘Nobel Birat Gold Cup’ with a 2–1 victory over hosts Samrat Sporting Club in a thrilling final held at Sahid Rangashala on Sunday night.
This marks Jhapa’s second triumph in the prestigious tournament, having previously lifted the trophy in 2071.
Along with the title, Jhapa 11 received Rs 1.1 million in prize money, while runners-up Samrat Sporting Club earned Rs 500,000.
The final remained goalless in the first half despite both sides creating opportunities.
Samrat came close in the 16th minute, but goalkeeper Bishal Sunar made a crucial save, while Jhapa’s Sulman King narrowly missed the target moments later.
Jhapa stepped up their intensity after the break. Rajesh Dahal broke the deadlock in the 81st minute, skillfully converting a long pass from goalkeeper Sunar.
Just six minutes later, Diwas Urau doubled the lead, finishing off a pass from Faguram Tharu.
Samrat pulled one back in injury time through Saurabh Tamang, but it proved too late to change the outcome.
Rajesh Dahal was named Player of the Match for his decisive performance, earning Rs 11,000.
Jhapa also dominated individual honors: Phaguram Tharu emerged as the tournament’s top scorer with three goals, Bishal Sunar was named Best Goalkeeper, and Santosh Basnet won Best Coach.
Samrat’s Ashok Khawas was awarded the Best Player of the Tournament, receiving Rs 51,000.
The tournament, which began on April 11, featured eight teams, including sides from India.
Awards were presented by prominent officials, including Koshi Province Speaker Ambar Bahadur Bista and Biratnagar Mayor Nagesh Koirala.
