The 71-year-old Nepal Cup may not be quite as old as the FIFA World Cup but it certainly matches it in terms of excitement and spirit. This annual football competition pitches teams from units in the British Army’s Brigade of Gurkhas against each other, and this year it was played at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, with the final in the Aldershot stadium. With support from friends and family throughout the Gurkha community, the matches highlighted some real talent and provided a great deal of entertainment and excitement.
250 Gurkha Signal Squadron, part of 30 Signal Regiment only wanted one outcome for this year’s competition and successfully played their way to the final on 13th July against 1 RGR. The atmosphere was electric and both teams played well in a tense and hard-fought match. By the end of 90 minutes, the only difference was a single goal scored by LCpl Tamang from a free kick, giving 250 Gurkha Signal Squadron the win.
On the same day, 30 Signal Regiment also won the Army Tug-of-War cup and finished runners-up in the ladies’ volleyball competition. With the 60th anniversary of the Regiment’s founding the following week, it really gave them a fantastic birthday present! The Royal Signals continue to provide the cyber, IT and communications support to the rest of the British Army, but also pride themselves in their sporting and adventure training prowess. Well done to all those who took part and supported: players, management, coaches and fans.
History of the Nepal Cup
The history of the Nepal Cup goes back to India 1948. It was at this time, His Highness Maharaja Mohan Shamsher Jangabahadur Rana GCIE CBE, Prime Minister of Nepal and Colonel-in-Chief of the Gurkha Brigade, presented the prestigious cup to be competed for annually in an inter-unit football competition between Brigade of Gurkha units. With high spirits, competitive emotions, and pride for those fortunate and skilful enough to win it, this tradition has endured.