Nepal Turns Down Philippines Offer; India, Malaysia Will Participate According to Manila Bulletin, ANFA has declined the invitation from Philippines FA for an exhibition match scheduled in October 6 in Manila.
PFF president, Mariano ‘Nonong’ Araneta Jr. said Nepal, the host of Challenge Cup finals, declined the invite because the schedule runs in conflict with the Dashain, Nepal’s biggest festival of the year, which will keep the Nepalese booters busy.
Meanwhile, The Philippine Football Federation has invited Malaysia and India to play the Azkals in October at home in friendly matches serving as preview of the national team’s two important competitions next year.
PFF chief Mariano ‘Nonong’ Araneta Jr. Friday said the invitation to the two squads came after Nepal turned down the PFF’s invite for an Oct. 6 exhibition match at the Rizal Memorial Football Field.
“We’ve invited India for an Oct. 6 date while Malaysia for Oct. 9,” said Araneta.
Malaysia, which beat Indonesia in the finals on 4-2 aggregate, is the reigning Suzuki Cup champion. The tourney is the same event where the Azkals’ brush with fame started following their historic semifinals finish last year.
India, on the other hand, is the 2008 Challenge Cup champion.
India alongside the Philippines, Nepal and five other countries, will play in the finals of the 2012 edition slated this March in Kathmandu.
GoalNepal.com tried to contact ANFA officials but no one was available for the comment.
Nepal Star Striker Anil Gurung Set For Farnborough FC Trial Nepal star striker, Anil Gurung is leaving for England second week of August to appear in a training-cum-trial with English Club - Farnborough FC.
Farnborough Football Club (formed after the demise of Farnborough Town F.C. in 2007) is an English football team currently in the Conference South after finishing top of Southern League Premier Division in 2009–10. Their home ground is known as the Rushmoor Stadium, formerly Cherrywood Road, based in Farnborough, Hampshire.
"I am going to UK on 15th of August. I will train with the club for at least two weeks", Gurung said, "if everything goes well, I will sign the contract with the Club".
Sahara FC UK is arranging his trial with the Farnborough FC.
"Nothing has been finalized yet", Gurung added, "I am excited about my future. Whereever I go, I want to enjoy the game".
Former Shillong Lajong striker, Gurung said he is excited about the trial with Farnborough FC.
"Yes, I am excited. I will do everything possible to impress the Club's coaching staffs", Gurung added.
Two years back, Anil Gurung appeared in a trial with Woking FC and was returned home due to work permit hinderance.
Philippines Invites Nepal To Play In An Exhibition Match
Philippines FA has invited Nepal to play in an exhibition match to be played in Manila, Philippines on October 9.
Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Mariano Araneta Jr. said Nepal, ranked No. 136 by FIFA, has been invited to play the Azkals in an exhibition match on Oct. 9, philipino football blog reported.
Nepal is hosting the Challenge Cup finals where seven other countries are playing after a series of qualifiers. The eight teams in the finals are the Philippines, India, Maldives, North Korea, Palestine, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Nepal.
Meanwhile, ANFA spokesperson confirmed that they received proposal from Philippines FA but nothing has been finalized yet.
"We have received the proposal but we haven't decided to go", Shrestha added, "We have asked them to shift the match by a month and we are awaiting their reply".
Nepal will compete in SAFF Championship to be played in India in December this year.
Nepal ready for U-19 World Cup qualfiers
Ireland coach Jeremy Bray, in an interview on the eve of the ICC U-19 World Cup qualifiers, said: Nepal has a strong culture.
Not only the host of the event Ireland but most of the participating nations have naturally taken Nepal as a strong team for the past performance in the U-19 World Cups.
For Nepali team, who hope to rejoin the U-19 World Cup finishing top six in the 10-team event, the problems is the weather and the opening match against the regional competitor, Afghanistan.
“We have best available players for the team,” coach Jagat Tamata said. “Our first aim is to qualify for the World Cup.”
Nepal qualified to compete in the U-19 World Cups five times between 2000 to 2008 before missing it last time.
“Mentally the players are ready, and they are enthusiastic,” Tamata said during a training session in Kathmandu. Nepal’s training was marred by continuous rainfall.
Nepal, Afhganistan, Ireland, Scotland, Kenya, Namibia, USA, Canada, Papua New Guinea and Vanatu are competing in the qualifiers, possibly the last global qualifiers as International Cricket Council (ICC) already indicating that from next edition, teams will qualify directly from regional qualifiers.
Nepal missed the global qualifiers last time losing to Afghanistan in semifinals of 2009 ACC U-19 Elite Cup in Kuwait. In February this year, Nepal ensured a spot reaching the final of the ACC U-19 Elite Cup in Thailand before losing to Afghanistan in the title-clash.
Nepal is playing Afghanistan in the first match in Ireland but coach Tamata is confident that the team has capacity to beat them. “During the final of the ACC U-19, the two teams were equal, we lost only because poor field setting,” he said.
In the opening match of the ACC U-19, Nepal beat Afghanistan in the league round.
Ireland’s cold temperature is a headache for Nepal which is using early morning time for physical exercise. “Cold weather is a challenge as spinnes will have difficulties gripping the ball,” he said.
Nepali team consists of seven batsmen, two all-rounders and five bowlers. “Spin is our main weapon, and we have two left-arm spinner and a right-hand spinner,” he added.
Rahul BK and Bhuwan Karki are the left-arm spinners while captain Prithu Baskota who missed the ACC U-19 final due to injury, is utility spinner. Rahul, also a regular of national team, was chosen the best bowler in ACC event for his 21-wicket haul.
Nepal Team: Prithu Baskota (captain), Pradeep Airee, Naresh B. Budhaayer, Bhuban Karki, Krishna Karki, Avinash Karn, Subash P. Khakurel, Nischal Pandey, Shubhendu Pandey, Rajesh Pulami Magar, Sagar Pun, Fajlur Rahman, Rupesh K. Shrivastav, Rahul K. Vishwakarma
Nepal King Of South Asia In FIFA Ranking
Nepal have ascended to 136 position from 148 to stay atop among South Asian countries for the month of July in FIFA World Ranking.
FIFA published the ranking on Wednesday that show Nepal collecting 184 points to jump to 136th position.
Nepal have leapfrogged the football mad countries like, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia.
Nepal qualified for the AFC Challenge Cup final round in April and went through second round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the first time in its history past month.
However, Nepal suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Jordan 9-0 on July 23 in Amman.
Nepal also leapfrogged India in the FIFA Ranking.
Nepal - 136
Bangladesh - 147
India 153 - lost 6 position
Maldives - 160 - lost 9 position
Pakistan - 171 - lost 2 position
Sri Lanka - 176 - lost 5 position
Afghanistan - 179 - Lost 13 position
Bhutan - 201
Stage set for martyrs memorial league
KATHMANDU, AUG 07 -
Nepal let out their frustrations of the draw against Bangladesh by hammering a hapless Sri Lankan side 6-0 to advance to the semi-finals as the winners of Group ‘B’ in the SAFF U-16 Championship at a rain drenched Dashrath Stadium on Saturday.
The win confirmed Nepal’s meeting with Group ‘A’ runner-up India in the semi-finals scheduled for Monday. Bangladesh, runner-up of Group ‘B’, will take on Pakistan.
Nepal came into the match knowing a draw would take them into the semis, but had the result ended in a stalemate then the home team would have finished second in the group and met Pakistan, a physically superior side who are a strong title contender, in the next round.
However, India is no less an easy opponent. While Nepal have a home advantage and a good passing game, they lack scoring. India, on the other hand, are not as accomplished as Nepal in holding possession but are better finishers of the game and are physically superior to Nepal.
Nepal coach Sunil Lama said his side would overcome India. “We will have a different strategy against India,” he said.
After repeated pressure, Nepal, opened their scoring through Suman Lama in the 15th minute. Lama was lucky to get a free shot from inside the six-yard box from a ball that was parried by keeper Abduallah Mohammad Uzman from Biswas Shrestha’s shot. In the remaining minutes of the first half, Nepal grew more dominant but were unable to make the pressure pay. Had everything gone right, the home team could have easily developed at least a three goal cushion at the end of the first half. Suman’s shot from about 25-yards out was denied by the cross bar before he missed a sitter from the six-yard box in 23rd minute. Four minutes later, Biswas’ scorcher was punched to safety by a full stretched keeper.
Nepal got their reward in the second half, bagging five goals inside 25 minutes before a heavy rainfall ruined the match completely, depriving them to add more to the tally. The water logged pitch made play difficult as both sides struggled to roll the ball.
Rungri Hang Rai opened the flood gates scoring in the in the 48th minute. Suman was on the mark 11 minutes later and Biswas, after repeated attempts, got in the score sheet in the 64th minute. Rishi Pithakoti Thapa Magar sealed the one-sided win with a quick fire double, scoring in the 68th and 70th minutes.
Sri Lanka coach heaps praises on Nepal.
All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) on Tuesday announced that it has finished all the preparation for upcoming Martyrs Memorial Red Bull A Division League Football making some changes in the amount of cash prize and numbers of teams getting cash prize.
The expected cost of the Martyrs Memorial League is Rs 11.2 million.
Meanwhile, ANFA has also introduced a new provision of transferring players on loan for the national league. The teams which qualify for the National League can hire players from 9th to 14th position finishers of the Martyrs Memorial League on the basis of mutual agreement between the two clubs. But such a club can hire only upto five players. “We have introduced this system so that there will be less burden for the club that does not qualify for the national league,” Thapa said.
Bottom four teams of the Martyrs League will be relegated to B division. The winner of the Martyrs Memorial League will get a top priority to participate in the newly introduced SAFF Club Championship to be held from 1-15 September in Dhaka, Bangladesh from September 1-15. However, the format of the Club Championship is yet to be finalized, Thapa said.
The national league featuring 10 teams in total will include top eight teams among 18 participating teams of the Martyrs League and two from the A division district classified by the ANFA. According to the current ANFA schedule the national league will be held from November 17.
Stating the reason behind the decrease in prize money, ANFA President Ganesh Thapa said, “We have put the National League in top priority so there has been a decrease in cash prizes. We have also eliminated some categories. But the national league will include all areas and will also increase the prize money.”
The fair play team will be given Rs 50,000. Instead of motorbike awarded to best players in four different positions -- goalkeeper, defense, midfielder and forward and coach -- in the previous edition, Rs 25,000 will be given to each of them.
The league featuring the highest 18 numbers of teams for the first time had lowered the cash prizes in different categories in comparison to last edition. Though there has not been any change in the cash prize for winning team, the cash prize for the runners-up has been cut down by Rs 300,000 to Rs 700,000. The winner will bag two million rupees. The third and fourth placed team will be the only other teams to bag cash prizes. They will be awarded Rs 500,000 and Rs 300,000 respecitvely. Top eight teams were awarded with cash prize in the previous edition.
ANFA made such announcement amidst a press conference in the capital on Tuesday. According to ANFA General Secretary Dhirendra Pradhan, they have formed eight different sub committees to run the league smoothly.
The league which carried San Miguel in its name in the last edition has been renamed Red Bull upon the request of main sponsor, the Gorkha Brewery. Both the drinks -- San Miguel and Red Bull -- are the products of Gorkha Brewery.
Nepal Turns Down Philippines Offer; India, Malaysia Will Participate
According to Manila Bulletin, ANFA has declined the invitation from Philippines FA for an exhibition match scheduled in October 6 in Manila.
PFF president, Mariano ‘Nonong’ Araneta Jr. said Nepal, the host of Challenge Cup finals, declined the invite because the schedule runs in conflict with the Dashain, Nepal’s biggest festival of the year, which will keep the Nepalese booters busy.
Meanwhile, The Philippine Football Federation has invited Malaysia and India to play the Azkals in October at home in friendly matches serving as preview of the national team’s two important competitions next year.
PFF chief Mariano ‘Nonong’ Araneta Jr. Friday said the invitation to the two squads came after Nepal turned down the PFF’s invite for an Oct. 6 exhibition match at the Rizal Memorial Football Field.
“We’ve invited India for an Oct. 6 date while Malaysia for Oct. 9,” said Araneta.
Malaysia, which beat Indonesia in the finals on 4-2 aggregate, is the reigning Suzuki Cup champion. The tourney is the same event where the Azkals’ brush with fame started following their historic semifinals finish last year.
India, on the other hand, is the 2008 Challenge Cup champion.
India alongside the Philippines, Nepal and five other countries, will play in the finals of the 2012 edition slated this March in Kathmandu.
GoalNepal.com tried to contact ANFA officials but no one was available for the comment.
Nepal Star Striker Anil Gurung Set For Farnborough FC Trial
PFF president, Mariano ‘Nonong’ Araneta Jr. said Nepal, the host of Challenge Cup finals, declined the invite because the schedule runs in conflict with the Dashain, Nepal’s biggest festival of the year, which will keep the Nepalese booters busy.
Meanwhile, The Philippine Football Federation has invited Malaysia and India to play the Azkals in October at home in friendly matches serving as preview of the national team’s two important competitions next year.
PFF chief Mariano ‘Nonong’ Araneta Jr. Friday said the invitation to the two squads came after Nepal turned down the PFF’s invite for an Oct. 6 exhibition match at the Rizal Memorial Football Field.
“We’ve invited India for an Oct. 6 date while Malaysia for Oct. 9,” said Araneta.
Malaysia, which beat Indonesia in the finals on 4-2 aggregate, is the reigning Suzuki Cup champion. The tourney is the same event where the Azkals’ brush with fame started following their historic semifinals finish last year.
India, on the other hand, is the 2008 Challenge Cup champion.
India alongside the Philippines, Nepal and five other countries, will play in the finals of the 2012 edition slated this March in Kathmandu.
GoalNepal.com tried to contact ANFA officials but no one was available for the comment.
Nepal Star Striker Anil Gurung Set For Farnborough FC Trial
Nepal star striker, Anil Gurung is leaving for England second week of August to appear in a training-cum-trial with English Club - Farnborough FC.
Farnborough Football Club (formed after the demise of Farnborough Town F.C. in 2007) is an English football team currently in the Conference South after finishing top of Southern League Premier Division in 2009–10. Their home ground is known as the Rushmoor Stadium, formerly Cherrywood Road, based in Farnborough, Hampshire.
"I am going to UK on 15th of August. I will train with the club for at least two weeks", Gurung said, "if everything goes well, I will sign the contract with the Club".
Sahara FC UK is arranging his trial with the Farnborough FC.
Farnborough Football Club (formed after the demise of Farnborough Town F.C. in 2007) is an English football team currently in the Conference South after finishing top of Southern League Premier Division in 2009–10. Their home ground is known as the Rushmoor Stadium, formerly Cherrywood Road, based in Farnborough, Hampshire. "I am going to UK on 15th of August. I will train with the club for at least two weeks", Gurung said, "if everything goes well, I will sign the contract with the Club".
Sahara FC UK is arranging his trial with the Farnborough FC.
Former Shillong Lajong striker, Gurung said he is excited about the trial with Farnborough FC.
"Yes, I am excited. I will do everything possible to impress the Club's coaching staffs", Gurung added.
Two years back, Anil Gurung appeared in a trial with Woking FC and was returned home due to work permit hinderance.
Philippines Invites Nepal To Play In An Exhibition Match
Philippines FA has invited Nepal to play in an exhibition match to be played in Manila, Philippines on October 9.
Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Mariano Araneta Jr. said Nepal, ranked No. 136 by FIFA, has been invited to play the Azkals in an exhibition match on Oct. 9, philipino football blog reported.
Nepal is hosting the Challenge Cup finals where seven other countries are playing after a series of qualifiers. The eight teams in the finals are the Philippines, India, Maldives, North Korea, Palestine, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Nepal.
Meanwhile, ANFA spokesperson confirmed that they received proposal from Philippines FA but nothing has been finalized yet.
"We have received the proposal but we haven't decided to go", Shrestha added, "We have asked them to shift the match by a month and we are awaiting their reply".
Nepal will compete in SAFF Championship to be played in India in December this year.
Nepal ready for U-19 World Cup qualfiers
Not only the host of the event Ireland but most of the participating nations have naturally taken Nepal as a strong team for the past performance in the U-19 World Cups.
For Nepali team, who hope to rejoin the U-19 World Cup finishing top six in the 10-team event, the problems is the weather and the opening match against the regional competitor, Afghanistan.
“We have best available players for the team,” coach Jagat Tamata said. “Our first aim is to qualify for the World Cup.”
Nepal qualified to compete in the U-19 World Cups five times between 2000 to 2008 before missing it last time.
“Mentally the players are ready, and they are enthusiastic,” Tamata said during a training session in Kathmandu. Nepal’s training was marred by continuous rainfall.
Nepal, Afhganistan, Ireland, Scotland, Kenya, Namibia, USA, Canada, Papua New Guinea and Vanatu are competing in the qualifiers, possibly the last global qualifiers as International Cricket Council (ICC) already indicating that from next edition, teams will qualify directly from regional qualifiers.
Nepal missed the global qualifiers last time losing to Afghanistan in semifinals of 2009 ACC U-19 Elite Cup in Kuwait. In February this year, Nepal ensured a spot reaching the final of the ACC U-19 Elite Cup in Thailand before losing to Afghanistan in the title-clash.
Nepal is playing Afghanistan in the first match in Ireland but coach Tamata is confident that the team has capacity to beat them. “During the final of the ACC U-19, the two teams were equal, we lost only because poor field setting,” he said.
In the opening match of the ACC U-19, Nepal beat Afghanistan in the league round.
Ireland’s cold temperature is a headache for Nepal which is using early morning time for physical exercise. “Cold weather is a challenge as spinnes will have difficulties gripping the ball,” he said.
Nepali team consists of seven batsmen, two all-rounders and five bowlers. “Spin is our main weapon, and we have two left-arm spinner and a right-hand spinner,” he added.
Rahul BK and Bhuwan Karki are the left-arm spinners while captain Prithu Baskota who missed the ACC U-19 final due to injury, is utility spinner. Rahul, also a regular of national team, was chosen the best bowler in ACC event for his 21-wicket haul.
Nepal Team: Prithu Baskota (captain), Pradeep Airee, Naresh B. Budhaayer, Bhuban Karki, Krishna Karki, Avinash Karn, Subash P. Khakurel, Nischal Pandey, Shubhendu Pandey, Rajesh Pulami Magar, Sagar Pun, Fajlur Rahman, Rupesh K. Shrivastav, Rahul K. Vishwakarma
Nepal King Of South Asia In FIFA Ranking
Nepal have ascended to 136 position from 148 to stay atop among South Asian countries for the month of July in FIFA World Ranking.
FIFA published the ranking on Wednesday that show Nepal collecting 184 points to jump to 136th position.
Nepal have leapfrogged the football mad countries like, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia.
Nepal qualified for the AFC Challenge Cup final round in April and went through second round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the first time in its history past month.
However, Nepal suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Jordan 9-0 on July 23 in Amman.
Nepal also leapfrogged India in the FIFA Ranking.
Nepal - 136
Bangladesh - 147
India 153 - lost 6 position
Maldives - 160 - lost 9 position
Pakistan - 171 - lost 2 position
Sri Lanka - 176 - lost 5 position
Afghanistan - 179 - Lost 13 position
Bhutan - 201
Stage set for martyrs memorial league
KATHMANDU, AUG 07 -
Nepal let out their frustrations of the draw against Bangladesh by hammering a hapless Sri Lankan side 6-0 to advance to the semi-finals as the winners of Group ‘B’ in the SAFF U-16 Championship at a rain drenched Dashrath Stadium on Saturday.
The win confirmed Nepal’s meeting with Group ‘A’ runner-up India in the semi-finals scheduled for Monday. Bangladesh, runner-up of Group ‘B’, will take on Pakistan.
Nepal came into the match knowing a draw would take them into the semis, but had the result ended in a stalemate then the home team would have finished second in the group and met Pakistan, a physically superior side who are a strong title contender, in the next round.
However, India is no less an easy opponent. While Nepal have a home advantage and a good passing game, they lack scoring. India, on the other hand, are not as accomplished as Nepal in holding possession but are better finishers of the game and are physically superior to Nepal.
Nepal coach Sunil Lama said his side would overcome India. “We will have a different strategy against India,” he said.
After repeated pressure, Nepal, opened their scoring through Suman Lama in the 15th minute. Lama was lucky to get a free shot from inside the six-yard box from a ball that was parried by keeper Abduallah Mohammad Uzman from Biswas Shrestha’s shot. In the remaining minutes of the first half, Nepal grew more dominant but were unable to make the pressure pay. Had everything gone right, the home team could have easily developed at least a three goal cushion at the end of the first half. Suman’s shot from about 25-yards out was denied by the cross bar before he missed a sitter from the six-yard box in 23rd minute. Four minutes later, Biswas’ scorcher was punched to safety by a full stretched keeper.
Nepal got their reward in the second half, bagging five goals inside 25 minutes before a heavy rainfall ruined the match completely, depriving them to add more to the tally. The water logged pitch made play difficult as both sides struggled to roll the ball.
Rungri Hang Rai opened the flood gates scoring in the in the 48th minute. Suman was on the mark 11 minutes later and Biswas, after repeated attempts, got in the score sheet in the 64th minute. Rishi Pithakoti Thapa Magar sealed the one-sided win with a quick fire double, scoring in the 68th and 70th minutes.
Sri Lanka coach heaps praises on Nepal.
All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) on Tuesday announced that it has finished all the preparation for upcoming Martyrs Memorial Red Bull A Division League Football making some changes in the amount of cash prize and numbers of teams getting cash prize.
The expected cost of the Martyrs Memorial League is Rs 11.2 million.
Meanwhile, ANFA has also introduced a new provision of transferring players on loan for the national league. The teams which qualify for the National League can hire players from 9th to 14th position finishers of the Martyrs Memorial League on the basis of mutual agreement between the two clubs. But such a club can hire only upto five players. “We have introduced this system so that there will be less burden for the club that does not qualify for the national league,” Thapa said.
Bottom four teams of the Martyrs League will be relegated to B division. The winner of the Martyrs Memorial League will get a top priority to participate in the newly introduced SAFF Club Championship to be held from 1-15 September in Dhaka, Bangladesh from September 1-15. However, the format of the Club Championship is yet to be finalized, Thapa said.
The national league featuring 10 teams in total will include top eight teams among 18 participating teams of the Martyrs League and two from the A division district classified by the ANFA. According to the current ANFA schedule the national league will be held from November 17.
Stating the reason behind the decrease in prize money, ANFA President Ganesh Thapa said, “We have put the National League in top priority so there has been a decrease in cash prizes. We have also eliminated some categories. But the national league will include all areas and will also increase the prize money.”
The fair play team will be given Rs 50,000. Instead of motorbike awarded to best players in four different positions -- goalkeeper, defense, midfielder and forward and coach -- in the previous edition, Rs 25,000 will be given to each of them.
The league featuring the highest 18 numbers of teams for the first time had lowered the cash prizes in different categories in comparison to last edition. Though there has not been any change in the cash prize for winning team, the cash prize for the runners-up has been cut down by Rs 300,000 to Rs 700,000. The winner will bag two million rupees. The third and fourth placed team will be the only other teams to bag cash prizes. They will be awarded Rs 500,000 and Rs 300,000 respecitvely. Top eight teams were awarded with cash prize in the previous edition.
ANFA made such announcement amidst a press conference in the capital on Tuesday. According to ANFA General Secretary Dhirendra Pradhan, they have formed eight different sub committees to run the league smoothly.
The league which carried San Miguel in its name in the last edition has been renamed Red Bull upon the request of main sponsor, the Gorkha Brewery. Both the drinks -- San Miguel and Red Bull -- are the products of Gorkha Brewery.
DPR Korea beat Nepal
Nepal has been defeated by North Korea by 1-0 in the second qualifying match of the AFC Challenge Cup played at the Dashrath Stadium in the Capital on Saturday. The Korean team registered its victory against Nepal with the goal scored in the the first-half of the match.
Nepal likely to advance
As the stage is all set for the AFC Challenge Cup group D qualifiers beginning Thursday, Nepali football fans are looking forward to the event with great anticipation.
Nepali will take on Afghanistan in the opener at the Dasharath Stadium on Thursday, Sri Lanka on Saturday and North Korea, the Asian powerhouse of football, on Monday.
The top two teams from the group will qualify for the final stage to be held later.
Going by past results and home advantage, Nepal are likely to progress through to the next round. Wins in two matches will seal Nepal´s berth in the next stage.
Past records
Nepal Vs Afghanistan
Though Nepal and Afghanistan have not played many games in the past, Nepal have always had the upper hand against the Afghans. So far Nepal have played three matches with Afghanistan -- two official and one unofficial. Nepal registered convincing victories in both the official matches. In their first encounter during the 13th Asian Cup in 2003, Nepal defeated Afghanistan 4-0 on their home ground. Similarly, during the 2009 SAFF Championship in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Nepal were victorious 3-0.
Nepal played a 1-1 draw with the Afghans during the Merdeka Cup in Malaysia in 2008, which was an unofficial tournament.
Afghanistan are in the 195th position in the current FIFA rankings, 23 spots behind Nepal.
Nepal Vs Sri Lanka
The first time Nepal played against Sri Lanka was during the Eighth Asian Cup qualifiers in 1984 and their last meeting was during the final stage of the AFC Challenge Cup in Hyderabad, India in 2008. But, things had changed a lot in between those two meetings.
So far Nepal have played nine international matches against the Lankans. In their first six matches (1984-1997), Lankans always dominated and emerged victorious. But in their last three meetings, Nepal have won twice and lost once in tie-breaker.
During their first encounter in the 1984 Asian Cup qualifiers Nepal were defeated 4-0 by the Lankans, but in the last encounter during the AFC Challenge Cup, Nepal registered a convincing 3-0 win over their island counterparts. In their second last meeting, Nepal were beaten 3-4 in tie-breaker after a 1-1 draw in regular time during the First AFC Challenge Cup. In their seventh encounter, Nepal defeated Sri Lanka 3-2 during the Second SAFF Championship in 1999 in Goa, India.
Nepal are in the 172nd spot in the recent FIFA rankings, one place above Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka arrived in Kathmandu on Monday.
Nepal Vs North Korea
Nepal have played twice against North Korea, currently ranked 113 in the FIFA rankings, and lost on both occasions. The first time they met was during the Ninth Asian Cup qualifiers in Kathmandu in 1988. Nepal then faced North Korea during the AFC Challenge Cup final round in Hyderabad, India in 2008. Nepal lost both the matches 1-0.
North Korea are the defending champions of the tournament.
Nepali will take on Afghanistan in the opener at the Dasharath Stadium on Thursday, Sri Lanka on Saturday and North Korea, the Asian powerhouse of football, on Monday.
The top two teams from the group will qualify for the final stage to be held later.
Going by past results and home advantage, Nepal are likely to progress through to the next round. Wins in two matches will seal Nepal´s berth in the next stage.
Past records
Nepal Vs Afghanistan
Though Nepal and Afghanistan have not played many games in the past, Nepal have always had the upper hand against the Afghans. So far Nepal have played three matches with Afghanistan -- two official and one unofficial. Nepal registered convincing victories in both the official matches. In their first encounter during the 13th Asian Cup in 2003, Nepal defeated Afghanistan 4-0 on their home ground. Similarly, during the 2009 SAFF Championship in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Nepal were victorious 3-0.
Nepal played a 1-1 draw with the Afghans during the Merdeka Cup in Malaysia in 2008, which was an unofficial tournament.
Afghanistan are in the 195th position in the current FIFA rankings, 23 spots behind Nepal.
Nepal Vs Sri Lanka
The first time Nepal played against Sri Lanka was during the Eighth Asian Cup qualifiers in 1984 and their last meeting was during the final stage of the AFC Challenge Cup in Hyderabad, India in 2008. But, things had changed a lot in between those two meetings.
So far Nepal have played nine international matches against the Lankans. In their first six matches (1984-1997), Lankans always dominated and emerged victorious. But in their last three meetings, Nepal have won twice and lost once in tie-breaker.
During their first encounter in the 1984 Asian Cup qualifiers Nepal were defeated 4-0 by the Lankans, but in the last encounter during the AFC Challenge Cup, Nepal registered a convincing 3-0 win over their island counterparts. In their second last meeting, Nepal were beaten 3-4 in tie-breaker after a 1-1 draw in regular time during the First AFC Challenge Cup. In their seventh encounter, Nepal defeated Sri Lanka 3-2 during the Second SAFF Championship in 1999 in Goa, India.
Nepal are in the 172nd spot in the recent FIFA rankings, one place above Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka arrived in Kathmandu on Monday.
Nepal Vs North Korea
Nepal have played twice against North Korea, currently ranked 113 in the FIFA rankings, and lost on both occasions. The first time they met was during the Ninth Asian Cup qualifiers in Kathmandu in 1988. Nepal then faced North Korea during the AFC Challenge Cup final round in Hyderabad, India in 2008. Nepal lost both the matches 1-0.
North Korea are the defending champions of the tournament.
Nepal beat Kuwait, enter semi
Nepal qualified for the semifinals of the ACC Women’s Twenty20 Cricket Championship defeating hosts Kuwait by 47 runs on Sunday.
Nepal scored 103 runs for 4 wickets in 20 overs and restricted Kuwait in 56 runs for 9 wickets at KEC to register the third win in three matches.
Kuwait won the toss and sent in Nepal to bat first. Manisha Rawal (9) was out early but Sarita Magar (22 runs), Sita Rana (22 runs) and Rashmi Sharma (20 runs) batted well to help Nepal amass a good score.
Kuwait reply was slow and Karuna Bhandari pegged them down in 10th over taking three wickets in an over. She claimed one more wicket and player of the match award.
NEPAL GETTING USED TO WINNING
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UAE can play cricket, no doubt about it, though they'll want to bowl far fewer wides and be faster to the ball in the field and getting to 80 off their 20 overs against Nepal was a decent achievement. But Nepal simply turned on the gas with the bat and raced away with the game in front of a passionate group of 200 spectators at the KEC Ground in Kuwait today, to win by eight wickets with 64 balls to spare.
It was an interesting contrast in styles out there today - UAE needing to be told what to do by their Coach and Assistant Manager almost every ball in the field, Nepal's cricketers an Asian Games and plenty of domestic and international cricket under their belts just doing their job with ruthless efficiency. It is was girls against women and the women won. Nepal's bowlers are some way short of the best attack in the competition and hard as Shruti Pandey and her UAE team had to work for their runs against the Nepali bowlers, they weren't ever really threatened by pace, movement or crease-cramping accuracy.
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| Shambhavi Gupta, stumped by Mamta Thapa |
UAE got themselves out, Shruti Pandey apart, whose 38* off 53 balls was a triumph of application and gap-threading tucks and glances. Tall and athletic she ran well between the wickets but was never really able to unleash her full range of strokes, being always conscious of having to rebuild her team's innings after an invariable bit of haplessness at the other end. UAE's captain was by 31 the highest score for her team.
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| Shruti Pandey |
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| Rashmi Sharma |
"Thailand bowled and fielded very well," said Player of the Match Rashmi Sharma afterwards, "about the game Nepal were very relieved to have won the day before on the same ground." Today she and her team-mates played in the way which has seen them finish second and third in the previous two ACC Women's Tournaments, until more countries can raise their game Nepal are going to have easy matches like this one today.
2011 ACC Women's Twenty20 Championship Scoreboard
Group B: Nepal v UAE at KEC
UAE won the toss and chose to bat
NEPAL WON BY EIGHT WICKETS
UAE: 80 for 6 off 20 overs (S.Pandey 38*; R.Sharma 2-9, Sarita M. 3-16)
Nepal: 81 for 2 off 9.1 overs (S.Magar 21*, R.Sharma 21)
Player of the Match: Rashmi Sharma (Nepal)
Nepal's quest for fifth title ends
Nepal´s dream of lifting the title of the ACC U-19 Elite Cup cricket tournament for the fifth time was shattered on Thursday after they were handed a 61-run defeat by arch rivals Afghanistan.
Nepal, who had defeated Afghanistan by six wickets in the group stage, were restricted to 139 runs while chasing a target of 201 set by Afghanistan at the Thailand cricket ground. This was Nepal´s second defeat in the final in eight editions of the tournament.
Despite making a nervous start, a partnership of 83 runs off 118 balls between Pradeep Airee and Rajesh Pulami had given Nepal some hope after having lost four wickets for 31 runs. It was, however, short-lived as Pulami was soon run out by a direct hit. Pulami, who scored 22 off 72, was run out on his own call.
Nepal lost their last six wickets for 25 runs, with Rahul Kumar Bishwakarma and Krishna Karki failing to even open their account.
Airee did not have much option and chose power play in the 37th over, which cost Bhuwan Karki´s wicket. Airee, too, lost his composure following that.
Airee, who scored 59 runs, was caught at long on. He was earlier dropped on 57. "I had thought I could return after hitting the winning run but I lost patience after the cheap loss of wickets," Airee said.Nepal lost their last six wickets for 25 runs, with Rahul Kumar Bishwakarma and Krishna Karki failing to even open their account.
Airee did not have much option and chose power play in the 37th over, which cost Bhuwan Karki´s wicket. Airee, too, lost his composure following that.
Airee´s knock included three boundaries and a six off 93 deliveries.
Afghanistan did not need much time to claim Avinash Karna´s wicket and lift the title for the first time in the age group to continue their dominance in the ACC.
Despite the loss, Nepal´s coach Jagat Tamata claimed his side was the best team of the tournament. "The way we played in the tournament proved that we are the best team. Our four batsmen could not play up to their potential, which cost us dearly," Tamata said. The defeat also shattered Tamata´s dream of being the first Nepali coach to win an international title.
Tamata also said that the absence of regular captain Prithu Baskota changed Nepal´s fate. "We could have easily won the match had Baskota been there," Tamata addded.
Nepal lost their batsman Faizlur Rahman Khan, who was the man-of-the-match in the first two matches, for a duck. He was bowled by Shir Sirjee.
Aftab Alam, know as one of the fastest bowlers of the tournament, broke Subash Khakurel´s leg stump into two pieces. Khakurel could score only six runs. Naresh Budhayer, who had collected 120 runs in the previous three matches remaining unbeaten, was too bowled by Alam.
Sagar Pun was dismissed for eight runs.
Earlier, Afghanistan had garnered 200\9 in the allotted 50 overs.
Afghanistan had made only 90 in 30 overs but the tail-enders rescued their innings.
Earlier, Nepal did not have a good day in the field as well. Airee dropped Afsar Khan in mid-off when he was on 11. Khan went on to score 26 off 60. Mohibullah Pak (36) and Noor Haque (34) later rescued the Afghanistan innings.
Airee, who claimed five wickets in his nine-over spell conceding 43 runs, was declared the man of the final. Krishna Karki claimed two wickets while Bhuwan Karki and Rahul Bishwakarma claimed one wicket each.
Nepal make it four wins out of four as they beat Thailand
Nepal look like they are the team to beat in the ACC Under 19 Elite Cup which is being held in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Nepal overpowered Thailand by 174 runs at AIT as left-arm spinner Rahul Viswakarma returned the remarkable figures of eight for 15 after the home side had bowled well to restrict Nepal to 245 for 9 in their 50 overs.
Thailand reached 43 for one before losing their last nine wickets in 10 overs as they were bowled out for 71, but they will have a great chance to record their first win of the tournament when they play Oman on Sunday. The Omanis were beaten by United Arab Emirates by six wickets at TCG after being dismissed for a total of just 39.
Nepal may be the dominant force in Group B of the Elite Cup but there is plenty of competitive cricket being played in Group A where Bahrain and Singapore both gained their first wins in the tournament.
Bahrain pulled off the shock of the week at Chiang Mai Gymkhana by beating Qatar who had already qualified for the semi-finals. Bahrain’s total of 111 looked far too small but Cyrus D’Souza dismissed Qatar’s star player on the way to figures of 5 for 16 and they were bowled out for 99 and Bahrain could celebrate victory by 12 runs.
Singapore had come close to success in both their previous matches and finally claimed victory when they held their nerve to beat Malaysia by four wickets at PTIS Oval. Malaysia recovered from 64 for 7 to score 137 and Singapore kept their supporters on edge throughout their innings before reaching their target.
Defending champions Hong Kong must now beat Malaysia to be sure of a place in semi-finals, while the winners of the match between Afghanistan and UAE will also qualify for a place in the last four. Whoever now faces Nepal will surely have a mountain to climb.
Khan's ton seals 304-run victory for Nepal
Nepal continued their brilliant performance in the ongoing ACC U-19 Elite Cup defeating Oman by 304 runs in a match of records at TGC, Bangkok, Thailand and strengthened the semifinal hope.
Nepal scored 391/4 in 50 overs after electing to bat first and bowled out Oman for just 87 in 31.5 overs for the second victory in the tournament. If Nepal defeat either Afghanistan or hosts Thailand, they will secure berth in the last four as they had thrashed the UAE by nine wickets in the opening match on Tuesday.
Nepal´s total matched the highest total at the age-group level scored against the Maldives in 2003 in Karachi, Pakistan. The highest total by any Nepali team at the international level is 397 runs against Bhutan under the captainship of Raju Khadka in the Emerging Nations Cup 2003 at the TU Cricket Ground, Kathmandu.
According to match referee Aziz Gilani, the Nepal U-19´s total on Wednesday was the highest total on the Thailand Cricket Ground by any team.
Faizrul Rahman (Faizal) Khan, who became the only third U-19 batsman after former U-19 captains Shakti Gauchan and Kaniskha Chaugai to reach the milestone, made major contribution in building a mammoth total for Nepal. Shakti had scored 100 in 2001 and Kaniskha 125 in 2003 -- both against Maldives.
Khan scored 101 in 99 balls with 10 fours. He and Subash Khakurel gave a brilliant opening stand of 81 runs before the latter fell to M Wickremaratne for 27 off 55 balls.
Khan then collaborated with Sagar Pun for a century partnership. The duo, who had produced an unbeaten 80-run partnership a day earlier against UAE, scored freely to add 110. Khan was given leg-before at 101 after a long thought by the umpire.
If Oman had hoped any relief from his wicket, they were proved wrong as Pradeep Airee joined Pun and they accelerated the scoring rate. Their partnership counted for 127 runs, the second best partnership after 137 by Yashwant Subedi and Kaniskha in 2003 against Maldives, and came in no time.
Sagar was bowled out for 83 off 80 balls by Umair Naeem and Pradeep soon followed after scoring 86 off just 40 balls with six fours and five sixes. Naresh Budayer (37 off 17 balls) and Captain Prithu Baskota (22 off 9 balls) finished the overs with a huge total.
Five runs were added to Oman´s score before they even bat as the Nepal batsmen were penalized for running down the pitch on the last ball. However, Oman were rattled by Nepali bowlers with the first wicket taken by Avinash Karn in the third over of the innings. Karn has bowled Abhishek Ramesh for three runs.
Oman lost wickets frequently. Rahul BK took three for 14 and Avinash Karn grabbed two. They lost three wickets as run-outs -- thanks to Krishna Karki. Prithu Baskota and Bhuwan Karki claimed a wicket each. Mohool Mishra (30 runs) and skipper Chirag Asher (15 runs) were the highest contributors for Oman.
“It´s a great performance,” Prithu said after the match. “It was a huge total. The opening partnership; and knocks by Sagar and Pradeep set us up.”
“Pradeep is a magnificent player and he played brilliantly today. I hope he will carry on playing like this,” he added.
Meanwhile, Nepali coach Jagat Tamata applauded Nepali batting. "We got good opening, Faizal was marvelous while Sagar contributed well. I had never seen Pradeep batting in such a fashion before. Playing shots on the ground of 70-75 m radius is simply awesome," said Tamata. "We had targeted to put up 250 to 280 runs but the batting performance took us much higher than expected," he added.
Man of the match Faizal Khan said that he would keep on scoring runs in the tournament. "After scoring 46 runs against the UAE, I had told teammates that the innings was only the beginning," said outspoken Khan. "I thought every match is important for us and I have to score runs. I succeeded to reach the milestone," he added.
Khan dedicated his century to coach Tamata as well as to Basant Shahi, Bijay Thapa, Krishni Gupta and his family.
On Friday, Nepal will lock their horns with Afghanistan in their third match.
Nepal Win ACC U-19 Opener
Nepal U-19 cricket team pulled off an easy victory over UAE in their first match of the ACC U-19 Elite Cup here on Tuesday. Nepal thrashed UAE by nine wickets at the AIT Ground.
Nepal achieved a comfortable victory as Nepali bowlers proved their mettle in the humid pitch.
APF reach quarterfinals
Nepal APF Club entered the quarterfinals of the CK Nayadu Twenty20 Cricket Tournament in Pune, India after defeating Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association team by 130 runs on Sunday.
Sanjay Shrestha scored a half-century as APF accumulated 157/7 in 20 overs. Sanjay was out on 51 off 48 balls with three fours and four sixes. Shakti Gauchan scored 27 in 19 balls and Dipendra Chaudhary got 22 not out in 15 balls.
In reply, J&K were bowled out for 27, the lowest total in the event´s 16-year-history. Mehboob Alam spearheaded the bowling with four wickets while Amrit Bhattarai took three.
APF will now take on Pune District Team in the quarterfinals on February 3.
Chitwan girls win inaugural match
Chitwan registered victory in the opening match of the Janaki Gold Cup National Women´s Football Tournament that kicked off in Janakpur on Sunday.
In the inaugural match held at Janakpur Cigarette Factory, Chitwan thrashed Bara 6-0, scoring three goals in either halves.
Altogether seven teams from Nepal and one from India are participating in the tournament which is being jointly organized by Dhanusha District Football Association and Pidari Youth Club.
Double delight for Tamang
Ratnajit Tamang of the Armed Police Force Club clinched the men´s singles title during the First Mechi Badminton Tournament on Sunday.
Tamang, who is from Mechi, defeated his club-mate and doubles partner Bishal Pradhan 21-13, 21-18 in the final. Tamang bagged a purse of Rs 15,000 while Pradhan received Rs 7,000.
The duo won the men´s doubles title defeating the pair of Ram Rai and Roshan Rai 21-15, 21-16. The winners walked away with Rs 16,000 and the runners-up bagged Rs 8,000.
In the veterans´ doubles, Chandra Shekhar Lama teamed up with Pushpa Tamrakar to beat the pair of Mahendra Thamsuhang and Indra Limbu 21-19, 21-9 in the final match held at Mechi Community Hall. Altogether 87 players from the Eastern region had participated in the three-day event that concluded on Sunday.
Greenlands, HHCA win
Both teams of the hosts Greenland and Himalayan Help Care Academy (HHCA) won their respective matches in the senior boys´ category of the Fifth Kwiks Greenland Inter-school Badketball Tournament on Sunday.
Greenland ´A´ defeated Prithvi 66-21 while Greenland saw off Newton 35-22 at their home court in Dhapasi. Likewise, HHCA edged out North Point 28-23. In the junior boys category, Mount Glory, Angel´s Heart, Clinton Public and Nerik won their respective matches.
Valley Public grab double wins
The senior girls´ basketball team of Valley Public School grabbed double victory in the First Innovative Inter-school Basketball Tournament on Sunday.
In the first match, Valley Public defeated Mahendra Bhavan 38-27. Valley Public thrashed the hosts Innovative School 40-6 in another match at their home court in Sankhamul.
In the junior boys´ category, Wilson Academy and Babylon made it to the quarterfinals. In other league matches of the junior boys´ category, Awareness International Academy defeated Canvass 32-10. Likewise, the senior boys´ team of Kabya hammered Babylon 36-14.
New Diamond win opening match
Defending champions New Diamond registered victory in the opening match in the girls´ category of the Sixth SEB Inter-school Boys and Girls Volleyball Tournament on Sunday.
New Diamond defeated Angel´s Heart 25-15, 25-18 in straight sets to top the group B and qualify for the semifinals.
Angel´s Heart have also secured the semifinal berth as the runners-up. Bijeshwari beat the hosts Samakhushi English Boarding School 25-17, 25-19. In the boys´ category, defending champion Newton and Angel´s Heart won their respective matches.
Nepali umpires in ACC U-19 Elite
Nepali cricket umpires Binaya Kumar Jha and Sanjay Gurung will assume the roles of umpires in the ACC U-19 Elite Cup that will kickoff on Tuesday in Thailand.
The Cricket Association of Nepal informed that the duo left for Thailand on Sunday. The ten-day tournament
will be held from February 1-10.
Three Star lift Aaha Gold Cup title
Nabil Three Star Club clinched the title of the Ninth Aaha Gold Cup Football Tournament on Saturday. Three Star defeated Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) 1-0 in the final match held at the Pokhara Stadium. Buddha Chemzong´s lone goal in the 24th minute decided the fate of the match.
Chemzong scored utilizing a free kick from Anil Ojha. Ojha´s shot was intercepted by Rajkumar Ghising which he passed on to Bijay Dhimal and then the ball found its way to Chemzong, which he slotted in.
MMC were under pressure from Three Star from the beginning. The pressure increased after the goal but MMC were not able to hit back despite some decent chances.
MMC could have taken the lead three minutes before Chemzong´s goal when Sujal Shrestha sent Bijay Gurung´s corner kick above the bar.
MMC missed a chance to equalize toward the end of the first half after Shiva Shrestha failed to score in a pass set by Ganesh Khadka. Last league´s highest scorer Santosh Sahukhala also missed a pass set by Khadka in the 60th minute.
Chemzong also failed to double the lead as he missed a shot after getting the ball in the penalty area in the 38th minute.
Three Star´s Biraj Maharjan was adjudged the man-of-the-match.
MMC coach Bal Gopal Maharjan admitted that his team couldn´t play as expected. He also said there was a lack of coordination in holding and supplying the ball which resulted in the loss. "We will try to correct our mistakes in the coming days," said Maharjan.
Three Star´s coach Megh Raj KC said his side won because of a good team work. "It was the fruit of our hard work," he said.
KC said he has led the club to 19 victories from 21 matches after taking charge of the club five months ago.
Three Star had also defeated MMC in the final of the British Gurkha Cup held about a month ago in the capital.
Three Star bagged a purse of Rs 200,000 with the victory while MMC settled for Rs 100,000. MMC´s Sujal Shrestha and Santosh Sahukhala became the highest scorers of the tournament with three goals each. Himalayan Sherpa Club bagged the award for the best disciplined team.
Three Star´s Sanjeev Budhathoki received a motor bike after being declared the best player of the tournament. Other winners were Megh Raj KC (best coach), Three Star´s Kiran Chemzong (best goalkeeper), MMC´s Deepak Bhusal (best defender), Anil Ojha (best midfielder) and Buddha Chemzong (best striker).
Altogether 12 teams from Nepal and abroad had participated in the 12-day tournament.
Hosts Sahara In Last Four
Hosts Sahara Club reached the quarter-finals of the ninth Aaha Gold Cup Football Tournament defeating Dharan Football Club 2-1 here at the Pokhara Stadium today.
African recruit Ezee Collins and Khum Gurung scored one goal each to guide Sahara into the last eight. Collins gave Sahara a 17th minute lead when the forward met Khum's cross from left flank to slot home from the area. Dharan were a formidable opponent to Sahara but their poor finishing saw them struggle in the entire game.
Bouddha FC midfielder Khum then turned scorer from provider doubling Sahara's lead in the 58th minute after he converted a freekick into a sensational goal. Prakash Budhathoki scored on a solo effort in the 74th minute beating advancing Sahara goalkeeper Sagar Gurung to cut the deficit for Dharan.
Dharan fought hard to force an equaliser but once again poor finishing let them down. Dharan would have equalised in the dying moments had a superb strike by Shambhu Tamang not hit the bar. Sahara coach Kiran Shrestha was happy to reach the last eight but lamented on the performance of his players. “My players failed to perform up to their mark,” said the coach.
On the contrary, Kiran’s counterpart Dharan coach Milan Shrestha was satisfied with the way his team performed. “We played really a good match but my boys came under tremendous pressure after conceding an early goal,” said the coach. Sahara will now take on Dengzong Boys of Sikkim in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
Earlier, newly elected Vice-president of Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) President Ganesh Thapa inaugurated one of the prestigious tournaments outside the Kathmandu Valley. Meanwhile, Sahara Club felicitated the ANFA Kaski President Khem Gurung for his contribution in the development of football in the district.
Gyanu Baba retain volleyball title
Gyanu Baba overcame Nepal Police Club (NPC) 25-16, 22-25, 25-19 and 25-20 to clinch the title of Sixth Dhorpatan Blue Sky Cup Women’s Volleyball Double League Tournament on Thursday. This is the fifth consecutive title for Gyanu Baba. Baba remained unbeaten in the league amassing 39 points. Likewise, NPC remained second with 35 points. Ramila Tandukar of New Diamond was adjudged as the best player.
USAID-funded tournament concludes
The eight-day young women’s football league tournament in Mahendranagar, Kanchanpur, attended by as many as 10,000 people and supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) ended on Wednesday. The competition was designed to build the confidence, leadership, team building and networking skills of local, rural women. The sports activity is part of the youth leadership component of USAID’s Flood Recovery Project that seeks to expand the participation of youth and vulnerable populations in the development process of their communities.
Kathmandu, January 12,