Church Boys United Club made a winning start to the 25th Budhasubba Gold Cup Knockout Football Tournament, defeating Nepal Police Club 1-0 in the opening match at Dharan Stadium on Saturday.

The only goal of the match came in the 3rd minute of the second half, courtesy of Santosh Khatri, whose strike proved to be the decisive moment for Church Boys United. Khatri’s brilliant goal not only secured the victory for his side but also earned him the coveted Man of the Match award. He received a cash prize of Rs 10,000 and a trophy for his performance.

With the win, Church Boys United have booked their place in the semi-finals of the tournament.

The second quarter-final match is scheduled for Magh 20, where the hosts, Dharan Football Club from Sunsari, will face off against United Kharsang Football Club from India.

The tournament was officially inaugurated earlier in the day by Krishna Basnelar, Member-Secretary of the Koshi Province Sports Development Board, along with other distinguished guests.

The winner of the 25th Budhasubba Gold Cup will take home a cash prize of Rs 1 million, while the runner-up will receive Rs 500,000 along with a trophy and medal.