Bhadrapur Blazers claimed the title of the Gambhir Rai Memorial Edition of the Bhadrapur Jhapa Gold Cup. They defeated Jhapa XI FC 2-0 in the final held at Mechi Stadium, Bhadrapur, on Friday.
With this victory, Bhadrapur Blazers received a cash prize of NPR 1.3 million, along with medals, a trophy, and certificates. Runners-up Jhapa XI FC had to settle for NPR 700,000 along with medals, a trophy, and certificates.
Match Highlights
Bhadrapur Blazers took the lead in the 30th minute when captain Ashish Chapagain scored from inside the penalty area following a short pass from Milan Rai.
The victory was sealed in injury time when Satyam Sharma struck a powerful shot from 25 yards out after receiving a header from Abayomi, making it 2-0.
The match saw a packed stadium with strong support for both teams. In the 14th minute, Bhadrapur’s Bibek Poudel’s shot hit the crossbar and went out. Jhapa 11 had chances as well, with Rohan Karki missing an opportunity in the 18th minute and Samir Tamang’s shot going wide in the 23rd minute. In the 43rd minute, Tamang again missed a crucial chance, hitting the crossbar from Babin Bohora’s cross.
Jhapa 11 goalkeeper Sandip Limbu made some excellent saves, stopping Milan Rai’s powerful shot in the 52nd minute and Abayomi’s header in the 40th minute. Hari Bahadur Ale Magar also came close for Bhadrapur in the 78th minute, but his long-range shot went just over the crossbar.
Individual Awards
- Player of the Match: Bishal Darji (Bhadrapur Blazers) – NPR 21,000 and a trophy.
- Player of the Tournament: Ashish Chapagain (Bhadrapur Blazers) – NPR 105,000 and a trophy.
- Emerging Player: Rajesh Shah (Bhadrapur Blazers) – NPR 25,000 and a trophy.
- Best Goalkeeper: Tekendra Thapa (Bhadrapur Blazers) – NPR 25,000 and a trophy.
- Top Scorer: Satyam Sharma (Bhadrapur Blazers) – NPR 25,000 and a trophy.
- Best Coach: Sachindra Dhimal (Bhadrapur Blazers) – NPR 25,000 and a trophy.
Lucky Draw Winners
The lucky draw was conducted among spectators who purchased tickets for the final match.
- TVS Raider Motorcycle: Angel Charmakar (Bhojpur)
- Gold Chain: Bikram Baral (Bhadrapur)
- NPR 50,000 Cash Prize: Rajesh Kumar Gupta (Bhadrapur)
Award Distribution Ceremony
The awards were distributed by Gold Cup Chairman Dipesh Dhakal, Senior Vice President Aditya Parajuli, committee members, donors Chandi Raj Dhakal, Hemraj Dhakal, Tika Raj Dhakal, International Jhapa Society President Mukunda Dhungana, former Koshi Province Chief Minister Uddhav Thapa, and Jhapa District Sports Development Committee President Prashant Bhandari.
Bhadrapur Blazers’ victory marks a memorable end to the tournament, with thrilling performances and a strong display of local talent.
