The Aaha Rara Pokhara Gold Cup has a unique place in Nepali football history. Originally known as the Caravan Gold Cup, the tournament began in 2058 (2001) and has since played a significant role in the development of the sport in Nepal.
Now, as the tournament enters its 24th edition, it’s making another mark by reaching the 250th match in the competition’s history. This milestone will be celebrated during the first semifinal of the 24th Aaha Rara Pokhara Gold Cup, featuring Nepal Police Club and Church Boys United.
The match will take place at the Pokhara Stadium, where two teams with fascinating histories will face off. Nepal Police Club is known for its remarkable achievements in the tournament. It was the winner of the inaugural Caravan Cup and has made a record by winning the Aaha Rara Pokhara Gold Cup three times in a row, becoming the first and only team to do so. With six titles to its name, Nepal Police Club is also the most successful team in the competition’s history, alongside Manang Marsyangdi Club, with the same number of wins.
On the other hand, Church Boys United is a newer team in Nepali football, but they’ve already made an impact by winning the Shahid Smarak A Division League. This victory, coupled with their swift rise from C Division to A Division, has allowed them to match the record of Manang Marsyangdi Club for the fastest progression in Nepali football history.
The tournament started under the name Caravan Cup with the first match being between Sahara Seto (White) and Naksal Youth Mandal. Since its inception, the tournament has gone through various changes, with some editions featuring fewer teams. Over time, however, it has grown in stature and continues to bring exciting football action every year.
This year’s tournament also holds significance for Nepal Police Club, as they will be playing their 50th match in the competition. They join Manang Marsyangdi Club, who holds the record for the most games played with 52 appearances. Nepal Police Club, having participated in all but one edition, has a strong record with six championships and several finals appearances, making them a powerhouse in the tournament.
The upcoming semifinal between Nepal Police Club and Church Boys United is more than just a match; it’s a clash of history, success, and ambition. As the 250th game unfolds, fans can look forward to witnessing another chapter in the rich story of Aaha Rara Pokhara Gold Cup.
