The national team is playing three matches in the Eastern Region to create a favorable environment for Thapa, who is one among the five nominees for the award to be decided on the basis of SMS voting. [break]
This is the national team´s first visit to the Eastern Region for playing friendly matches, organized jointly by Jhapa, Morang and Sunsari district football associations with the slogan "Vote for football, make Sagar Thapa a winner."
During the first of the three matches, Jumanu Rai and Deepak Bhusal netted one goal apiece during the early and later stages of the game. Jumanu gave the national team a lead in the fifth minute while Deepak Bhusal doubled the tally five minutes from time.
Inaugurating the tournament, chief guest of the match, the CEO of Dharan Municipality Tikadatta Rai sent SMS in support of Thapa and then requested football lovers to do the same.
The national team, captained by Thapa, was studded with Bharat Khawas, Sandip Rai, Rabin Shrestha, Rohit Chand, Santosh Sahukhala, Anil Ojha, Bhola Silwal, Biraj Maharjan, Jagjeet Shrestha, Kiran Chemjong and others. Dharan was led by former national player Surendra Tamang who hails from Sunsari.
The district football associations and football clubs of the region have already started initiatives to support Thapa who is also the permanent resident of Morang. Along with Thapa, boxer Deepak Maharjan, cricketer Rahul BK, swimmer Shreya Dhital and volleyball player Sipora Gurung are nominated for the award.
Earlier, Sunsari Football Association felicitated Thapa and provided him Rs 5,000 in cash for SMS voting. Similarly, Eleven Arrows Club of Duhabi also provided him 5,000. On the same occasion, Sunsari FA also felicitated former national player and coach of Dharan ANFA Technical Center with Rs 5,000 and letter of felicitation.
During the match, Sunsari FA also made appeals for voting in favor of Thapa and raised money for SMS. Earlier, Rastriya Jagriti Club of Itahari also provided Thapa with Rs 11,000 during a welcome program organized at the Itahari Municipality.
Speaking at the program, skipper Thapa said that the nomination was vital and all the nominees were already the winners.
The national team will play against Morang Football Association team on Sunday at Dangihat, Morang, and take on Jhapa on Monday.
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