Taplejung Gold Cup schedules announced as fourth edition prepares to kick off

The fixtures for the fourth edition of the Taplejung Gold Cup have been announced, with the tournament set to begin in eastern Nepal later this month.

The international invitational football tournament will run from 28 August to 4 September at the Bhanubhanjan Secondary School ground in Phungling, the headquarters of Taplejung district.

The opening match will see hosts Taplejung 11 face Georgian United Football Club of Kalimpong, India.

The organisers announced the fixtures from several tourist destinations in Taplejung, including Samdo Pokhari in Olangchung Gola and the Loden area of Mikwakhola. The move is part of an effort to promote the district’s tourism alongside the football tournament. Recent reports have confirmed Olangchung Gola’s location in Ward 7 of Phaktanglung Rural Municipality.

Eight teams will compete in the tournament.

The second quarter-final, scheduled for 29 August, will feature Chitlang Football Club of Makwanpur against Phidim Sporting Club of Panchthar.

The following day, Satdobato Football Club of Lalitpur will face defending champions Salhesh Youth Club of Siraha.

The final quarter-final will be contested by Jhapa 11 and departmental side Nepal Police Club.

The two semi-finals will be played on 1 and 2 September, with the final scheduled for 4 September.

Taplejung Gold Cup fixtures

28 August: Taplejung 11 vs Georgian United FC, Kalimpong

29 August: Chitlang FC, Makwanpur vs Phidim Sporting Club, Panchthar

30 August: Satdobato FC, Lalitpur vs Salhesh Youth Club, Siraha

31 August: Jhapa 11 vs Nepal Police Club

1 September: Semi-final

2 September: Semi-final

4 September: Final

The winner will receive 702,083 Nepalese rupees along with a trophy, medals and certificates. The runners-up will receive 352,083 rupees and the corresponding awards.

The tournament’s best player will receive a Bajaj motorcycle, while the player of the match in each game will receive 7,000 rupees. Additional individual awards will also be presented.

Ticket prices have been set at 200 rupees for quarter-final matches, 300 rupees for the semi-finals and 500 rupees for the final.

The Taplejung Gold Cup is held annually as part of the Lakhe Jatra festival and has become one of the notable football tournaments in eastern Nepal. The 2026 edition is expected to bring together clubs from different parts of Nepal as well as international opposition from India.