Kathmandu, February 15: In a remarkable celebration of the Chinese New Year, the Nepal-China Friendship Cup football match was successfully held in Kathmandu. The event was jointly organized by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Nepal, the National Sports Council of Nepal, the Yunnan Provincial Sports Bureau, the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), the Overseas Chinese Association in Nepal, and the Yunnan Football Association.
The football match, which was a major highlight of the 2025 Nepal-China New Year series of events, saw the visiting Yunnan Youth Team from China secure a 2-0 victory against the Nepalese Youth Team.
Thousands of spectators, including Nepal's Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak and Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, gathered to witness the thrilling and competitive game. A large number of performer along with Nepal APF troupe's breathtaking performance along with lion and dragon dances performed before the game begun.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ambassador Chen Song emphasized the enduring cooperation between Nepal and China across various sectors for centuries. He reaffirmed China's commitment to supporting Nepal's development and highlighted how cultural and sports exchanges, like this football match, further strengthen bilateral ties. Referring to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's visit to China, Ambassador Chen mentioned that the agreements and understandings reached during the visit paved the way for such collaborative events. He also extended his best wishes to all Chinese citizens in Nepal on the occasion of the New Year.
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak echoed similar sentiments, describing the relationship between Nepal and China as deep-rooted and historically significant, particularly in trade and other collaborative sectors. He stressed the importance of maintaining mutual respect and cooperation for sustained friendship. On behalf of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Minister Lekhak extended warm New Year greetings to the Chinese government and its people.
The match saw the Chinese team demonstrate superior physical and technical prowess, applying continuous pressure on the Nepalese side. Despite a spirited effort, the Nepalese youth team struggled to capitalize on key opportunities, resulting in a 2-0 defeat. Yunnan's Yu Meng Hui scored a spectacular goal from outside the box in the 21st minute, followed by another impressive long-range strike by Wang Binhan in the 78th minute. The Nepalese players faced challenges with aerial duels, primarily due to the height advantage of the Chinese players.
The game was not without its setbacks. Nepalese midfielder Ashish Rai suffered a serious injury during a collision, with ANFA later confirming that he sustained fractures in three places on his leg. The surgery cost, as per ANFA will be paid by ANFA.
The friendly match was more than just a sporting event; it became a platform for cultural exchange and mutual appreciation between the peoples of Nepal and China. Spectators and organizers alike expressed optimism that such interactions would contribute positively to Nepal's sports development and foster stronger diplomatic ties between the two neighbors.
As the players left the field and the crowd dispersed, the spirit of unity and friendship resonated—a testament to the enduring camaraderie between Nepal and China, celebrated through the universal language of sports.
