Sports excitement returns to Nepalgunj Stadium

Ranjha, Apr.20: The international-level Lumbini Cup women’s football tournament, which has returned to Nepalgunj after a long hiatus, has brought a fresh wave of excitement to the stadium.

Bhojraj Shahi, Chairman of the Banke District Football Association, expressed that the Lumbini Cup has reignited sporting enthusiasm at Nepalgunj Stadium, which had been dormant for nearly six years following the 8th National Games.

“The stadium has been renovated for the Lumbini Cup International Invitational Women’s Football tournament. Both local players and football fans are thrilled to see such a major event hosted at Nepalgunj Stadium after the 8th National Games,” said Chairman Shahi. “If large sports tournaments are held regularly, the excitement at Nepalgunj Stadium will continue to grow.”

As an international-level event, preparations for the tournament began months ago, with the stadium being spruced up specifically for the Lumbini Cup. Jaya Narayan Shah, the chief executive of the Lumbini Cup women’s football tournament, noted that the stadium is now lush and green thanks to the growth of local dubo grass, aided by regular watering.

In the past, due to inadequate funding for cleaning and maintenance, regular training sessions could not be conducted in the rundown stadium. Bhim Oli, the former chairman of the Midwest Sports Development Committee, remarked that the competition, which is the first since the 8th National Games, has breathed new life into the stadium.

Although the Bermuda dubo grass planted for the 8th National Games, which cost Rs 4 million, has disappeared, the stadium now looks more appealing with the thriving local dubo grass, which has been well-maintained through daily care. Eight teams, including India's Siliguri, are participating in the ‘Lumbini Cup International Invitational Women’s Football’ tournament, which began on Friday. The tournament is being held in collaboration with the Banke District Football Association and will continue until Baisakh 12.

The winner of the tournament will receive Rs 505,555, while the runner-up will be awarded Rs 250,000, along with a trophy and medal, as announced by Shah, the chief executive of the organising body, Antral.