NU
Fri, 30 May 2025
London. Nepal Dream Team has won the title in the men's category of the Gurkha Cup football tournament, considered the largest sporting event in the Nepali community in the UK.
In the final of the 23rd edition of the Gurkha Cup organised on 25th May at Queen’s Avenue grounds in Aldershot, Nepal Dream Team clinched the title by defeating Guruji Elite.
Along with the championship, Nepal Dream Team bagged £3,000, a trophy, and certificates. The runner-up, Guruji Elite, received £1,800, a trophy, and certificates.
In the men’s category, Sakthim Chemjong from Nepal Dream team was declared best manager, Robel Nalbo of Guruji Elite was the top goal scorer, and Ishwor Gurung of Nepal Dream was named Player of the Match.
In the veterans’ category, Himalayan FC won the title with 4 goals, while Intake 2000 finished as runners-up with no goals. The winners received £1,500, and the runners-up received £1,000 along with certificates and trophies.
In this category, Kumar Thapa of Himalayan FC was declared Best Manager, Dr. Sandeep Gurung was the top goal scorer, and Khum Gurung was named Player of the Match.
Only two teams competed in the women’s category, where Runder Bolts FC won three goals, while Tamang Society UK finished as runners-up. The winner and runner-up received £600 and £400 respectively, along with certificates and trophies. Garima Rai was declared Best Player in the women's category.
For the first time, the “Legend of Football” title—awarded to the player with the most outstanding performance in the history of the Gurkha Cup—was awarded to Lokprasad Chemjong from Dhankuta.
The winners, runners-up, outstanding players, and managers were awarded by Tamu Dhee UK Chairperson Jumkaji Gurung, Nepali Ambassador to the UK, Chandra Kumar Ghimire, MP Alex Baker, Mayor of Rushmoor Borough Council Councillor Calum Stewart, sponsors, football player Sabitra Bhandari Samba, and Gorakh Ghale.
This year, the Gurkha Cup featured 32 teams in the men's category, 16 in the veterans’ category, and 2 in the women’s category—a total of 50 teams.
With nearly 15,000 spectators, the Gurkha Cup became more than just a football event; it transformed into a cultural fair that showcased Nepali arts, cuisine, lifestyle, and traditions.
The formal and award ceremony was hosted by General Secretary Dr. Bishal Gurung. Match coordinator Deepak Ghale delivered the welcome speech and thanked everyone.
Photot Courtesy: Min Kwonmei Tamu Siklesi
