LALITPUR: The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) is set to host the 14th Ncell National Women’s Football Championship from July 14-28 in Bara and Rautahat. 

A total of 27 teams — 24 districts and three departmental teams will be vying for a top prize of Rs 300,000 in the knockout tournament. The departmental teams include sixth National Games gold medalists Nepal Armed Police Force (APF) Club, Nepal Police Club (NPC) and newly-formed Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC). 

The second place finishers will pocket Rs 150,000, while the losing semi-finalists will earn Rs 50,000 each. The best player of the tournament will get a scooter with Rs 25,000 cash prize also set aside for the best individuals — forward, midfielder, goalkeeper, defender and coach. 

ANFA president Ganesh Thapa said the football governing body is eagerly looking forward for the tournament. “It is going to be one of the biggest tournaments in Nepalese women football history. Since, the tournament itself has found a sponsor, we are really looking forward to its success,” said the AFC vice-president. 

One of the leading telecommunication brands, Ncell, have already agreed a deal Rs 10 millions for ANFA’s next five projects including the Women’s Championship. This is the first time that the women’s football tournament is played under sponsorship. 

President Thapa also informed that the participating districts have been picked up by evaluating their involvement in women’s football activities. Rautahat, Nawalparasi, Taplejung, Surkhet, Kailali, Saptari, Morang, Bardiya, Dolakha, Jhapa, Dhanusa, Panchthar and APF will play their matches in Rautahat with the winners taking on the finalist of Bara leg of the tournament. 

Udyapur, Kathmandu, Kanchanpur, Dhankuta, Bara, Makawanpur, NPC, Sarlahi, Kaski, TAC, Rupandehi, Sunsari, Chitwan and Banke will play their knockout matches in Bara. The best players from the tournament will also be picked up for a selection camp for SAFF Championship which will be held in Sri Lanka in September.