The decision by All Nepal Football Association in hosting the National League in home and away format, has the nation under the grip of football fever.
"Jhapa has hosted competitions comprising country's biggest clubs before. But the scenario is different this time," said Jhapa District Football Association President Jal Kumar Gurung."Fixtures of the league are being played at our home ground. This is an auspicious event for players, football association and spectators alike."
Jhapa played a goalless stalemate against star studded Three Star in its Monday's fixture to join leader MMC on top spot but lags behind on the basis of goal differences. National League debutant Jhapa is riding on high hopes about winning the title from its run so far.
Jhapa's noteworthy performance in the National League is being heralded as its most successful achievement by local fans.
Sachin Subba of Kakarvitta, who has been closely following Nepali football for the past few years says, "Putting up a series of winning performances in the tough National League is a source of great happiness for the local fans. This shows how Jhapa is instrumental in national football."
Jhapa presented itself as new power of Nepali football after winning ANFA Cup in the curtain raiser of the season. Following this, Jhapa won scores of reputed knockout competitions outside Kathmandu. And making a brilliant start in the National League has further filled local fans with enthusiasm.
"Not only Jhapa is giving good performance but it will prove its passion for football by successfully hosting the home matches," adds Gurung, president of district football association.
According to him, prospect of professional football in Jhapa took off after 1983. Gurung claims that tournaments like Tribhuvan Gold cup and Panchayat Gold Cup contributed a great deal to producing prolific local players.
"Jhapa produced good players like Ramdarshan Gurng, Bhagirath Ale, Ganesh Bhandari, Nirmal Bantawa, Dipendra Dhakal and Purna Subba," adds Gurung.
"Later, players like Hari Khadka and Sandesh Shrestha made it into the national squad." Hari holds the record for most international goals till date.
"The beginning of season was fruitful for Jhapa. The period of one month of National League will be very important as Jhapa has to prove its caliber both in and off the pitch," says Jal Kumar.
According to district football association, all the preparation for the National League has been completed.
Jhapa will play eight matches at home as per the National League schedule at the Domlal Stadium in Birtabazaar and Mechi Stadium in Chandragadhi.
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