Panthar Samaj Sewa UK Successfully Concludes the 7th Panthar Cup Football Tournament

Panthar Samaj Sewa UK has successfully organised and concluded the 7th edition of the "Panthar Cup" football tournament. Held on Saturday, 5 May, at the Feltham Community Sports Ground, the event saw an enthusiastic turnout with a total of 21 teams competing across various categories.

The tournament was divided into three distinct divisions: 4 teams in the Super Veteran category, 7 teams in the Veteran category, and 10 teams in the Main Youth category.

Super Veteran Category

Dharan Samaj demonstrated exceptional skill to secure the championship title in this category for the second consecutive year. Ilam FC (#ilamfc) finished as the runners-up. Individual honours were awarded to Durga Rai of Ilam Samaj, who was named ‘Best Player,’ and Om Thapa of the winning Dharan Samaj, who claimed the ‘Top Scorer’ title with a total of 5 goals. The winners and runners-up received trophies and cash prizes of £500 and £300, respectively.

Veteran Category (Ages 38 to 44)

In the final match for players aged 38 to 44, QAFC (#QAFC) emerged victorious after defeating Ilam FC. Despite the loss, Lekh Rai of Ilam FC was honoured as the category's ‘Best Player.’ Tekman Limbu of the winning QAFC team secured the ‘Top Scorer’ award with 4 goals. The champions, QAFC, were awarded £700, while the runners-up, Ilam FC, received £400.

Main Youth Category (Ages 17 to 37)

The highlight of the 7th Panthar Cup was the Youth division, where Tongba FC (#tongfc) maintained their dominance to become champions for the second year in a row. In a high-stakes final, Tongba FC defeated their long-standing rivals, MBZ (#MBZ). Although MBZ finished as runners-up, their player Pranay Gurung took home the ‘Top Scorer’ trophy with 5 goals. Arpan Gurung of the winning Tongba FC was named the ‘Best Player.’ The champions received a cash prize of £1,000, and the runners-up received £500.

Awards and Sponsorships

Certificates, shields, and trophies were presented to the winners and runners-up in each category. The prizes were made possible through the generous support of the following sponsors:

• Super Veteran Trophy: Suhang Family (Hasta Suhang, Prem Suhang, and Tek-Suhang Limbu).
• Veteran Trophy: Dilmaya Memorial Foundation (Ran Limbu), Nagendra Nembang, and Shanti Limbu.
• Main Youth Trophy: President Chandra Sundas.
• Main Youth Shield: Executive Member Chandra Laoti.
• Super Veteran Runner-up (£300 Cash): Surya Gurung, Managing Director of Peepal Mortgages.
• Super Veteran Runner-up Trophy: Hangpal Makhim, Bom Limbu Libang, and Hari Bahadur Laoti.
• Super Veteran Winner Shield: Laoti Family (Kumari Lawati Angbo).
• Veteran & Main Youth Runner-up Trophy: Maheshwori Hero Jasmine Kaur and Mankumar Kambang.
• Best Player Trophies: Mitra Rai, Bina Yekten Limbu, and Chitra Nembang.
• Top Scorer Trophies: Kailash Limbu Kambang, Bishnu Limbu Sireng, and Yadhuchandra Lawati.

Event Management and Distinguished Guests

The day’s proceedings were jointly announced by former Secretary Khagen Lawati, Senior Vice President Nagendra Raj Nembang, and Event Co-coordinator Bhagirath Jabegu.

The tournament was graced by Chief Guest Lawa Subedi, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Nepal, London. Other distinguished guests included Mennimang Menyangbo Dilsing (President of KIACHU UK), Nar Kumari Limbu (KIACHU Advisor), Kamala Limbu (President of Yakthung Mangena Chumlung UK), Yuba Raj Gurung and Tarkajung Gurung (President and Vice President of NPCC UK), Amrita Palunwa (President of Taplejung Samaj UK), and Bimala Limbu (Representative of Sankhuwasabha Samaj UK), alongside former presidents, advisors, and members of Panthar Samaj Sewa UK. Vice President Shanti Limbu and Women's Department Coordinator Nand Kumari Sundas were in charge of guest hospitality.

Closing Ceremony

Following the matches, a formal awards ceremony was conducted by General Secretary Khusi Limbu. Chief Guest Lawa Subedi congratulated Panthar Samaj Sewa UK on the successful event and praised the winning athletes. He reaffirmed the Embassy’s ongoing support and goodwill for the community's creative and sporting initiatives. Chief Coordinator of the tournament, Tekindra Mabo, expressed his gratitude to the participating teams, players, referees, and all supporting organisations.

In closing, President Chandra Sundas officially declared the 7th Panthar Cup concluded. He expressed his heartfelt thanks to the sponsors, players, and members of Panthar Samaj Sewa UK for their dedication, stating his hope for continued collaboration in the future.