Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Organizer Sahara Club Pokhara will take on Nepal Police Club (NPC) in the opening match of the 24th Aha Rara Pokhara Gold Cup at the Pokhara Stadium on February 4.
A total of 12 teams, including a team each from India, Uzbekistan and the United Kingdom, are participating in Gandaki Province’s most prestigious knockout football tournament.
According to the fixtures made public on Thursday, Nepal APF Club will play against Machhindra Club on February 5, NRT Football Club will take Church Boys United and Thunderbolt North United of India will meet Sankata Club on February 7.
Brigade Boys Club of the United Kingdom, Tribhuvan Army Club, Three Star Club and Black Bulls of Uzbekistan will get direct entry into the quarterfinal.
The quarterfinal matches will be played between February 8 to 11, while the first semifinal is scheduled for February 12, followed by the second semifinal on February 13.
The final will be played on February 15.
Tribhuvan Army Club defeated Three Star Club to lift the title last year.
Himshree Foods Pvt Ltd is the main sponsor of the event, while Jayashree Foods Pvt Ltd is the co-sponsor.
The estimated cost of the tournament is Rs 14.2 million. The organizers are hoping to raise Rs 15.1 million and save Rs 880,000. The savings will be used for the Surya Bahadur KC Memorial Sahara Football Academy, according to the organizers.
