15th Edition of Khumbu Lhosar Cup Football Tournament Announced
Kathmandu: The Khumbu Lhosar Cup 2026, regarded as the largest and most prestigious football tournament of the Sherpa community, is set to be held from Magh 24. The upcoming edition has been confirmed as the 15th instalment of the tournament, which has been organised on the occasion of Lhosar, the Sherpa community’s New Year festival.
The competition is to be organised by the Mahendra Jyoti Ex-Student Forum. It has been stated that the tournament was first initiated in 2009 by Sherpa youths born in different villages of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, Solukhumbu, who are currently residing in Kathmandu, with the aim of utilising the winter season productively during Lhosar.
At a press conference held in Kathmandu on Tuesday, tournament-related details were shared by Mr Fur Gyalje Sherpa, President of the Mahendra Jyoti Ex-Student Forum. It was said that football practice is to be promoted through the tournament, while a competitive sporting environment is to be created. It was further stated that interest in sports among Sherpa youths is to be increased, talents are to be brought to the forefront, and unity within the community is to be strengthened through the annual event.
It has been informed that the 15th Khumbu Lhosar Cup will be conducted from Magh 24 to Falgun 3, after being postponed in previous years due to various reasons. Matches are to be played at the ANFA Football Ground in Satdobato, and it has been stated that participating teams have already begun training.
The promotion of sports and tourism in Nepal has also been listed as a key purpose of the tournament. It has been noted that the Khumbu Lhosar Cup, held annually during Lhosar, has been developed into a shared cultural and sporting festival for the wider community, beyond youth participation alone.
Although the tournament has been organised continuously since 2009, it has been stated that it could not be held in 2025 due to various constraints. As a result, it has been informed that the 2026 edition is to be hosted at the ANFA ground.
A total of eight teams are to participate. The participating teams have been listed as follows:
Mahendra Jyoti Ex-Student Forum, Pharak
Namche Youth Group, Namche
Khumjung Youth Club, Khumjung
Khunde Community Club, Khunde
Thamichowa Football Club, Thame
Ama Dablam Youth Group, Pangboche
Khumbu Yambu Sherpa Saman
Khumbu United
It has been stated by Mr. Phur Gyalje Sherpa that the tournament has been playing an important role in uniting communities within Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality through football. It has also been noted that, with football enthusiasm rising globally, efforts are to be made to promote tourism through sports, and the tournament is to be made as long-term and effective as possible.
For the 2026 edition, 14 Peaks Expedition has been confirmed as the title sponsor, while Heli Everest Pvt. Ltd. and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality have been listed as co-sponsors. Support from other sponsors has also been acknowledged.
