Jhapa district wide knockout football championship got underway in Mechinagar, Jhapa on Tuesday.

Hosts Nawa Kalika yuwa club defeated Damak footballl training centre 3-2 in the opening match.

Saroj Karki scored a hat trick for the winners. Sanjib Budhathoki and Sujan Karki scored apiece for the losing side. Hat trick hero Karki became the player of the match and received Nrs 2,000 cash.

Sanischare FC will play against Satashidham sporting club on Thursday.

Earlier, Mechinagar mayor Bimal Acharya and Dy mayor Mina Upreti inaugurated the championship. Ward 12 chairman Narendra Dhimal, ward chairman Baldev Gomden and Krishnaraj Sigdel were also present in the opening program.