Region Pokhara, Nepal Motto Official anthem | Number of teams 12 | |
Founded 2002
2003 (current format) Current champions Manang Marshyangdi Club Most successful club(s) Nepal Police Club
(5 titles) | ||
Aaha! Gold Cup (Nepali: आहा गोल्ड कप āhā gōlḍ kap) is an annual international football (soccer) tournament held in Pokhara, Nepal, and organized by the Sahara Club. It was formerly known as the Caravan Gold Cup, however due to sponsorship reasons it is currently known as the Aaha! Rara Gold Cup. It is considered a major football tournament in Nepal, and is therefore endorsed by ANFA Kaski, a district FA of the All Nepal Football Association.
Background
Sahara Club (Pokhara) have been running a football-based academy for under-privileged children from the profit of the tournament and donations from various individuals and organisations. At present, there are 17 children at the academy and the club have planned to add 13 more in near future, according to Sahara Club’s General Secretary Keshav Bahadur Thapa.
The major attraction of the cup is the involvement of major clubs of Nepal and some international clubs. The cup is recognized by ANFA and is included in its annual calendar. The tournament is conducted in knockout format and 12 teams compete for the title. The tournament is the main event keeping the spirit of football alive in Nepal and handsomely rewards the clubs and players. It is also the longest sporting event to be held regularly.
On the 13th edition of the tournament, English non-league side Aldershot Town FC entered in the tournament, and thus became the first European (UEFA) club to compete in the tournament's history.