Gurkha Cup 2022 sees the presence of thousands of community members

Organised by Nepali community organization Tamu Dhee UK, the 20^th edition of Gurkha Cup was organised on July 3 at the Queen’s Avenue Sports Ground in Aldershot.

Considered to be one of the biggest football events for the South Asian Community in the UK, this year saw the attendance and participation of thousands of current and former Gurkha soldiers along with their families.

Chief guest of the occasion, Rushmoor Borough Mayor Councillor John Mars expressed that he was delighted that so many Nepali people were a part of his area, and that the community has made significant contribution to ‘the social, cultural and business aspects in the Borough’.

Many consider the Gurkha Cup to be a festival, despite the football match being the main attraction.

The organisers of the event said that the main purpose of organising it is to motivate young people of the community to take part in professional football and hone their skills. It also proves to be a great platform to raise awareness against drugs, alcohol and cancer among the people as well as raise funds for charities and collect relief funds for Nepal if it is in crisis.

A total of 32 teams were a part of the yearly tournament, with players belonging to ages 16 to 39. There were eight teams in the men’s category and two in the women’s category.

Teams from various parts of the UK including London, Wales, Colchester, Oxford, York, Catrick and other cities were seen taking part along with a team from The Netherlands.

FC Kent emerged the winner ‘by defeating Rangbhang Samaj UK 2-1’ in what was said to be a very fierce match. The football club also received £2500 in cash with a shield, trophy and certificate.

On the veterans side of the competition, Brigade Boys Club (BBC) came out as winners.

In the women’s category, Manokranti team was the winner in the first-ever women’s tournament held in the history of Gurkha Cup. The event also included exciting parachute displays, stalls of traditional costumes and other materials, food and charity stalls, art and craft stalls, cultural performances of the centenary cultural group and a performance by singer Elena Gurung.