In the Chief Minister Kohlpur Gold Cup International Invitational Knockout Football Tournament, which commenced on Wednesday, Nepal's reigning league champions, Church Boys United from Kathmandu, clinched a triumphant start.

In the inaugural match held at Thir Bigaha Sports Ground in Kohalpur Municipality-2, Church Boys emerged victorious by securing a 5-4 win in a penalty shootout against the home team, Racing Sahara Club, Kohalpur, after both sides played to a goalless draw in regular time. Abhishek Chaudhary, the stalwart goalkeeper of Church Boys, was duly recognized as the Man of the Match, and for his outstanding performance, he was awarded a cash prize of 5,000 along with a trophy.

This victory propels Church Boys into the semi-finals, as confirmed by the tournament organizers. The forthcoming quarter-final, slated for Thursday, the 16th of Kartik, will feature a face-off between Gorkha Boys Sports Club, Butwal, and Sudurpaschim-11 Sports Club, Dhangadhi.

The tournament's inauguration was presided over by the Chief Minister of Lumbini Province, Dilli Bahadur Chaudhary. The ultimate winner of this inaugural competition, hosted by Racing Sahara Club, Kohalpur-2 in Banke, is set to receive a substantial cash prize of 8 lakhs, in addition to the prestigious title, while the runner-up will be awarded 4 lakhs. The grand finale is scheduled for the 22nd of Kartik.