The Lumbini Cup Women’s Football Tournament is scheduled to take place in Nepalgunj from March 3 to 13. The event is being organized by Antaral and the Banke District Football Association, aiming to revive women’s football in the region and nurture future players.
Bhojraj Shahi, Chairperson of the Banke District Football Association and a central member of ANFA, highlighted the historical significance of women footballers in Banke and announced that selection, training, and other programs would be conducted across local levels to prepare for the tournament.
Prior to the Lumbini Cup, a Women’s Football Mayor’s Cup will also be organized in Nepalgunj. Jaya Narayan Shah, the head of the organizing committee, stated that arrangements for accommodation, food, and transportation for players and officials are being prioritized. A secretariat has been established at the Nepalgunj Stadium to facilitate the event’s organization.
The first edition of the Lumbini Cup will feature eight clubs, including six from Nepal and two from India. The tournament’s logo, showcasing Lord Gautam Buddha, an image of a footballer, and the blue and purple colors of Nepal’s national flag, was unveiled by Rama Singh, Nepal’s first national women’s football team captain, and Angela Tumbapo Subba, the current captain.
This tournament is expected to promote women’s football and create a platform for emerging talent in the sport.