Hetauda | The Bagmati Rural Municipality in Makwanpur officially inaugurated its new football stadium, the “Shahid Smriti Stadium,” built with its own investment, on Saturday. The inauguration was performed by Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda,” the Chairman of the CPN (Maoist Centre) and former Prime Minister, during the commencement of the 7th Bagmati Gold Cup National Football Tournament.
In his speech, Prachanda emphasized the importance of sports as a foundation for national unity and cultural prosperity. With the start of the tournament, local and national level players have begun competing in the Bagmati Gold Cup. The official inauguration of the tournament took place at the Shahid Smriti Stadium in Jhurejure, Ward No. 4 of Bagmati Rural Municipality.
The municipality had called for a tender for the construction of the stadium on 17th Ashoj last year. The construction was completed by Sanjay Construction Services, and the stadium was handed over to the municipality during the first week of Magh. Prior to this, the Bagmati Gold Cup was held at the local Janata Secondary School field due to a lack of a proper stadium.
The stadium spans 22,925 square meters, with a parapet measuring 62 meters in length and 12.5 meters in width. The parapet can accommodate approximately 2,500 spectators. The stadium also includes fencing with a virus protection barrier, changing rooms, and toilets to ensure the convenience and safety of both players and spectators.
The 7th Bagmati Gold Cup Football Tournament features participation from 10 teams, including 7 A-Division clubs and 3 teams from outside the valley. The winner of the competition will receive a cash prize of 1 million rupees, while the runner-up will receive 500,000 rupees.
“The completion of the stadium and the inauguration of the 7th Bagmati Gold Cup tournament marks a significant step forward,” said Sarkesh Ghalan, Chairman of Bagmati Rural Municipality. “This tournament, featuring 7 A-Division clubs and 3 teams from outside the valley, will strengthen the sports sector in Bagmati Rural Municipality.”
The tournamentβs best player will be awarded a prize of 101,000 rupees, and the “Man of the Match” for each game will receive 10,000 rupees in cash along with a trophy.
“The construction of the stadium was not solely funded by the municipality but also saw significant contributions from the local community, which provided over 1 million rupees worth of labor,” Ghalan added. He also mentioned that the municipality is focused on developing sports infrastructure in other wards as well.
The municipality has allocated a budget of 20 million rupees for the current fiscal year to promote sports, with plans for further expansion in the coming year.
The newly inaugurated stadium is expected to make the Bagmati Gold Cup more competitive and grander. It is also anticipated that the stadium will host other national and local competitions in the future, marking a significant step in the growth of sports in Bagmati Rural Municipality.
“This stadium will not only benefit the Bagmati Gold Cup but will also provide an opportunity for local youth players to achieve excellence,” said Ghalan.
In the opening match of the 7th Bagmati Gold Cup, Bagmati Youth Club from Sarlahi defeated the host team, Bagmati Sports Development Committee, 1-0. The decisive goal was scored by Captain Bimal Ghising in the 33rd minute of the second half, and he was named “Man of the Match.”
The tournament, which will run until 12th Falgun, features 10 teams: 7 from A-Division and 3 from outside the valley. The winner will receive a cash prize of 1 million rupees, and the runner-up will get 500,000 rupees. The best player of the tournament will be awarded 101,000 rupees, and the “Man of the Match” for each game will receive 10,000 rupees in cash and a trophy.
The opening ceremony was chaired by Rahar Singh Thing, President of the Bagmati Sports Development Committee, with Prachanda as the chief guest.
Before the tournament, Prachanda addressed party workers at the CPN (Maoist Centre) office in Bagmati Rural Municipality, discussing the current political situation, upcoming elections, and the role of the Maoist Centre. He emphasized the need for unity to strengthen the Maoist movement and claimed that the party is regaining public trust. Prachanda also reaffirmed the party’s commitment to fighting corruption, middlemen, and land mafias.
He stated that the Maoist Centre would compete in the upcoming elections independently, without forming any alliances with other parties, and urged party members to move forward with unity, discipline, and planning. He expressed confidence that the Maoist Centre would strengthen its position and work for the people’s welfare.