Birat Gold Cup (Nepali: विराट गोल्डकप, previously called the Mahendra Gold Cup) is an annual football tournament held in Biratnagar, the second largest metropolitan city of Nepal.[1][2] It has been held at the Sahid Rangsala stadium since 2012. The event witnesses participation from several national and international teams, and is amongst the most sought football tournaments of the nation.
 | |
| Founded | 2012 |
|---|---|
| Region | Nepal |
| Number of teams | Various |
| Current champions | Biratnagar City (1st title) |
| Most successful club(s) | Himalayan Sherpa Club Jhapa XI Nepal Police Club Sankata Club (1 title each) |
| Television broadcasters | GoalNepal |
The tournament for the year 2077 B.S. (2021 A.D.) saw a total of 10 participating teams from across 2 nations (Nepal and India). In 2023 edition, Nepal Super League team Biratnagar City won title, defeating visiting Indian Kerala Premier League Luca Soccer Club by 4–0.[3]
2023 Birat Gold Cup
The 2023 Birat Gold Cup 8 participating teams were:
Armed Police Force
Tribhuvan Army
Nepal Police
Biratnagar City Football Club
Druk Lhyaul
Jawlakhel Youth Club
Luca Soccer Club
Sankata Football Club
History
Birat Gold Cup football tournament began in the initial years as Mahendra Gold Cup and was named after late King Mahendra .[5] Mahendra Gold Cup 2004 was held in Biratnagar.[6] In 2012, Mahendra Gold Cup was renamed to Birat Gold Cup.[5]
2015 Birat Gold Cup
2015 Birat Gold Cup was planned with an estimated budget NRs 7.7 million.[7] Tribhuwan Army Club and Jhapa XI reached the final of the tournament.[8] Jhapa XI defeated Tribhuwan Army Club 2-1 to clinch the title.[9]
2016 Birat Gold Cup
2016 Birat Gold Cup was hosted on Sahid Rangsala, Biratnagar by Morang Football Club.[10] In the final match, Nepal Police Club clinched title victory by defeating Jhapa XI 1-0 when Bharat Shah scored the only goal of the match.[11] Shah found the post wide open when Jhapa XI goalkeeper Binay Shrestha went on to clear the ball in the 87th minute.[12] Suman Subedi of Nepal Police Club was adjudged Player of the Tournament.[11]
2018 Birat Gold Cup
The 2018 Birat Gold Cup was scheduled for March 31 - April 9.[13] The 10 participating teams were:[14]
- Thimpu FC,
Bhutan - Nepal Army Club, Kathmandu
- Mohammedan Sporting Club,
India - Sashatra Prahari Bal Team, Kathmandu
- Bangladesh Sporting Club,
Bangladesh - Manang Marsyangdi Club, Kathmandu
- Nepal Police Club, Kathmandu
- Rumpum Jhapa 11, Jhapa
- Three Star Club, Kathmandu
- Rijalco Morang 11, Morang
2021 Birat Gold Cup
The 2021 Birat Gold Cup 10 participating teams were:[4]
- African Roots Association, Kathmandu
- Nepal A.P.F. Club, Kathmandu
- Biratnagar Metropolitan, Biratnagar
- Gorkha Boys Club, Rupandehi
- Machhindra Club, Kathmandu
- Nepal Police Club, Kathmandu
- Punjab Police FC,[15] India
- Sankata Club, Kathmandu
- Siliguri United Football Club, India
- United Sikkim Football Club, India
2022 Birat Gold cup
2022 Birat gold cup had 8 participants
Results
| Title | Year (B.S.) | Year (A.D.) | Champions | Runners-up | Final score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | 2069 | 2012 | Himalayan Sherpa Club | African United Club | 1–0 |
| II | 2070 | 2013 | Sankata Boys Sports Club | APF Club | 1–0 |
| III[16] | 2071 | 2015 | Jhapa XI | Nepal Army Club | 2–1 |
| IV[17] | 2072 | 2016 | Nepal Police Club | Jhapa XI | 1–0 |
| V | 2074 | 2018 | Three Star Club [18] | Nepal Army Club | 3–0 |
| VI | 2077 | 2021 | Armed Police Force Club |  Punjab Police FC | 1–0 |
| VII | 2079 | 2022 | Biratnagar City FC | Luca Soccer Club | 4–0 |
Performance
| Club | Champions | Runners-up |
|---|---|---|
| Jhapa XI | 1 | 1 |
| Biratnagar City FC | 1 | 0 |
| Himalayan Sherpa Club | 1 | 0 |
| Nepal Police Club | 1 | 0 |
| Sankata BSC | 1 | 0 |
| African United Club | 0 | 1 |
| APF Club | 1 | 1 |
| Nepal Army Club | 0 | 1 |
| FC Punjab Police | 0 | 1 |