The 16th Sagarmatha Cup 2026, organised by the Sagarmatha Gurkha/Nepalese Community Ashford, Kent (SGNCAK), was successfully held on Sunday, 30 August 2026, at Spearpoint Pavilion, Kennington, Ashford.
The annual tournament brought together players, families, supporters and members of the wider community, promoting sportsmanship, friendship, community togetherness, integration and social cohesion.
A total of 19 teams competed in this year’s tournament, with 12 teams in the Main category and seven in the Super Veteran category.
In the Main category, South East were crowned champions, with Farnborough Elite finishing as runners-up. Ngawang Sherpa of Farnborough Elite was the tournament’s Top Goal Scorer, while Ashish Rai of South East was named Man of the Match.
In the Super Veteran category, FC Kenny claimed the championship, with DFC as runners-up. Dilliraj Thapa of UK British Gurkhas FC was the Top Goal Scorer, while Lila Gurung of DFC was named Man of the Match.
The matches were officiated by Ganesh Thapa, Lucas Bomela, Pradeep Gurung and Sawhalhang Rai, with Yaksha Limbu volunteering his services.
The event was coordinated by Vice-Chairperson Milan Rai, assisted by Vice-Chairperson Bimala Limbu, with support from SGNCAK committee members and volunteers.
The tournament received valuable support from Kent Police, Kent Fire & Rescue Service, Nepalese Doctors Association UK (NDA UK), Kent Family Hub and Neighbourhood Watch. Marys Special provided a food stall featuring cultural and traditional goods, while a team of nine SODEXO staff helped ensure the smooth running of the event. Guest artist Sarisma Magar also added to the occasion with a cultural and entertaining performance.
Prior to the start of the football programme, participants and guests observed a one-minute silence in remembrance of SGNCAK members who had recently passed away.
Tributes were also paid to Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja MBE and his fellow climbers, who tragically lost their lives in an avalanche on Broad Peak, Pakistan, on 30 July 2026, and those who lost their lives in the devastating flash floods in Nepal on 26 August 2026, which caused widespread destruction, damaged homes and vital infrastructure, and left many families bereaved and thousands of people affected.
The one-minute silence was observed as a mark of respect and solidarity with the deceased, those still missing, the injured and displaced, and their families and loved ones.
At the conclusion of the event, SGNCAK Chairperson Mohan Limbu expressed his sincere gratitude to all sponsors, community members, well-wishers, participating teams, volunteers and supporting organisations.
He highlighted the importance of their generosity, commitment and cooperation in making the tournament a success.
The 16th Sagarmatha Cup 2026 once again demonstrated the power of sport to unite people from different backgrounds, strengthen friendships and promote community spirit, integration and social cohesion in Ashford and the wider community.
