Monday, Jan 05, 2026 21:15 [IST]
Last Update: Sunday, Jan 04, 2026 15:44 [IST]
SILIGURI,: Journalists from Nepal and India will come together to play football in an effort to strengthen ties and promote tourism. The first-ever ‘Indo-Nepal Mechinagar Media Cup’ football tournament is scheduled to be held on January 11 and 12 at Kakarvitta, Jhapa, featuring working journalists from Nepal and India’s North Bengal and Sikkim regions.
The event is organised by the Press Club Mechinagar and will include players and officials from eight media-related organisations, two from India and six from across Nepal. Matches will take place at the Kakarvitta Government School ground.
“This event is aimed to increase strong relationship between the two nations, share views and news and also to promote tourism,” said Prakash Poudel, chairman of Press Club Mechinagar.
The tournament will feature awards for the winning and runner-up teams, with cash prizes of Nepali Rs 50,000 and Rs 25,000, respectively, along with certificates of participation. Additional awards will recognise the best goalkeeper, top scorer, and best player of the tournament.
As part of the event, a sightseeing tour has been arranged for Indian journalists following the matches.
Jhapa Tourism official Niroj Kattel noted that the tournament is expected to send a positive message to youth while fostering friendship and collaboration between the two nations, alongside promoting tourism in the region.
The logo for the historic tournament was officially launched on Saturday evening during a media interaction at Kakarvitta. The event is supported by a range of government and non-government organisations, including local civic bodies.
