September 5, Kathmandu.
Before the final match of the Fourth International Taplejung Gold Cup, world-renowned football player Lionel Messi was specially honored and remembered. Before the final match began on Friday, a banner with Messi’s photo was displayed on the field, expressing respect for his contribution to world football.
The organizers discussed Messi’s 21-year-long international football career and praised his contribution to Argentina. The 39-year-old Messi recently announced his retirement from international football.
He has scored 125 goals in 207 matches for Argentina and also set a record by participating in six World Cups, including a World Cup title. He is Argentina’s most-capped player and top goal-scorer.
In the final, which began by honoring Messi, Salhes Youth Club of Siraha defeated Fidim Sporting Club of Panchthar by a score of 1-0, defending their title.
Along with the title, Salhes received a trophy, medals, and certificates, along with 702,083 rupees in cash. The runner-up, Fidim Sporting Club, received 352,083 rupees in cash, as well as a trophy, medals, and certificates.
Salhes reached the final by defeating Georgian United Football Club, Kalimpong, India, by 2-0 in the semi-finals, while Fidim made its first journey to the final by defeating Jhapa-11 by 1-0.
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Salhes, who has been continuously playing in the final since the second edition, successfully defended the title this year, which they won last year by defeating Church Boys Club Lalitpur by 2-0. Fidim’s Anukesh Sherma was declared the best player of the tournament. He received a motorcycle as a prize from Bajaj Company.
In the final, Sanish Shrestha of Salhes was declared Man of the Match. Deep Karki of Salhes was the best goalkeeper, Abhishek Limbu the best defender, and Sushil Yadav the best midfielder, while Hiten Suhang of Fidim was declared the best forward.
Players declared best in various categories each received 15,000 rupees in cash and a certificate.
House of Representatives member Kshitij Thebe, Koshi Provincial Assembly member and former Minister of Industry, Agriculture, and Cooperatives, Khagensingh Hangam, among others, distributed prizes to the winners and runners-up.
Eight teams participated in this edition of the tournament, which is organized annually on the occasion of the Lakhejatra festival. Salhes, Fidim, Jhapa-11, Georgian United Kalimpong, Chitlang Football Club, Satdobato Football Club, Nepal Police Club, and the host Taplejung-11 competed in the tournament.
For more: Taplejung Gold Cup Final Honors Lionel Messi
