Aaha! Rara Gold Cup Faces Financial Loss
Total revenue from the tournament was Rs. 9.99 million, while expenses reached Rs. 11.53 million

Kathmandu | The Sahara Club Pokhara has reported a financial loss from the 23rd edition of the Aaha! Rara Gold Cup football tournament, held in Magh last year. The club announced a deficit of Rs. 1.5 million during a press conference today.
Club President Keshav Raj Baral explained that the economic downturn resulted in reduced sponsorship, making it difficult to cover the event's expenses. "This edition had two more teams than the previous one, and bringing in foreign teams increased the cost, particularly for daily allowances and travel expenses," he said. "Additionally, several businesses that had regularly sponsored the event in the past withdrew, adding to the financial burden." This was the first time in the tournament's history that the club had incurred a loss, Baral added.
Total revenue from the tournament was Rs. 9.99 million, while expenses reached Rs. 11.53 million. Sunil Gurung, head of the finance committee, stated that Rs. 5.67 million came from sponsorships. Key sponsors included Him Shree Foods, which contributed Rs. 2.2 million, Pokhara Metropolitan City with Rs. 1 million, and Gandaki Province Sports Council with Rs. 500,000. A total of 14 organisations and businesses sponsored the event.
Ticket sales generated Rs. 2.6 million, while the largest expense, Rs. 3.9 million, went to players' daily allowances. Incentive costs totalled Rs. 1.9 million, and Rs. 1.1 million was spent on organising expenses, with Rs. 563,740 for the host team's preparations.
Baral noted that economic difficulties and the exodus of national football players to foreign countries have reduced the appeal of the sport, making it increasingly challenging to host the event. The Aaha! Rara Gold Cup, a prestigious tournament outside the capital, has been organised by the Sahara Club for the past 24 years. In the 23rd edition, Tribhuvan Army Club emerged as the champion, with Three Star Club as the runner-up.