Gurkhas Cup – Where Tradition Meets Athleticism

The Gurkhas Cup, originally launched as the Gurkhas-Dashain Cup in 2011, was established by the Dallas Gurkhas Football Club with a vision to unite the Nepalese community in the U.S. through sports. What began as a friendly football tournament has grown into a highly competitive event, deeply rooted in tradition and culture. The tournament is held annually during Dashain, one of the biggest festivals in Nepal, a time when families come together and communities celebrate unity. The Gurkhas Cup reflects this spirit by bringing together Nepalese from across the U.S. to celebrate their shared heritage.

Since its humble beginnings, the Gurkhas Cup has expanded significantly, now drawing more than 1,500 spectators and hosting over 36 teams, competing in two categories. Teams travel from various states, creating an exciting and diverse atmosphere that embodies the cultural richness of the Nepalese diaspora. The tournament has become a major event on the Nepalese sports calendar in the U.S., fostering a sense of community and pride.

In recent years, the tournament has been organized under the Dallas Gurkhas Foundation, which has taken the initiative to ensure that the event not only provides a platform for competition but also supports social causes. A portion of the proceeds from the tournament goes toward funding opportunities for underprivileged youth in Nepal. Through this support, children in remote areas are given the chance to pursue their dreams in sports, providing them with resources and opportunities that may have otherwise been out of reach.

The Gurkhas Cup is more than just a sports tournament; it is a celebration of culture, tradition, and community. It offers participants and spectators alike a chance to reconnect with their roots and celebrate the values of unity, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The event is also an occasion to recognize the contributions of community leaders and athletes who have had a lasting impact on Nepalese sports. To date, the tournament has honored more than seven national football players, each of whom has received an appreciation award for their contributions to the sport and the community.

These awards not only acknowledge the past achievements of these athletes but also serve to inspire the younger generation to continue their pursuit of excellence in sports. The recognition of these figures further cements the Gurkhas Cup’s role as a bridge between generations, ensuring that the rich heritage of Nepalese sports continues to thrive.

With each passing year, the Gurkhas Cup continues to grow, uniting communities and fostering a love for sports, while also making a meaningful impact both in the U.S. and in Nepal. This tournament is not just about football—it’s about tradition, philanthropy, and celebrating the Nepalese spirit.

The Dallas Gurkhas Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported the organization throughout the Gurkhas Cup tournament, both directly and indirectly, from day one to today. Your dedication and efforts have been instrumental in the tournament’s success. Thank you for being part of this journey and helping us make a lasting impact. We look forward to continuing this partnership and working with you for many more years to come.

GURKHAS CUP TOURNAMENT RULES AND REGULATIONS

Player Registration: 
Every Individual player must sign waiver and register to obtain an individual Player Identification Card/Wristband using the link at www.dallasgurkhas.org

No Outside Food or Alcohol:
Strictly prohibited inside the complex.  

Trash: 
Teams are responsible for disposing of trash in designated areas.  

Game Format:
– First round follows a points-based league format. Teams must play two games. No forfeit allowed.

– League and quarter-final games: 20 min per half. Semi-finals and finals: 25 min per half.  

Team Setup:
Regular bracket: 12 players. 35+ bracket: 14 players. Seven on-field, unlimited substitutions.  

Player IDs: All players must be on the roster to play. For the 35+ category, government-issued ID and a physical passport are required for secondary verification if asked by the organizers.

Fake IDs: Any fake ID or paperwork will be handled by local law enforcement, with verification conducted at the gate by the local Officer. 

Equipment:
Full team uniforms, proper footwear, and shin guards are mandatory. No jewelry or metal-studded cleats. The team that registered first chooses their jersey if there is a color clash.

Eligibility:  
No foreign players allowed. If questioned, respective player’s community verification is required.  One player can only play for one team under same category.  

Punctuality: 
Teams must arrive 30 minutes early.  Tied points/goal difference will be settled by penalties.  Teams more than 10 minutes late will forfeit (2-0 score).  

Conduct:  
Officials’ decisions are final.  Fights, fake IDs, or inappropriate behavior will lead to disqualification. No vulgar language allowed.

Final Decisions:  
Organizers and management reserve the right to make necessary changes.  

GURKHAS CUP Game’s Rules:

1. Team Composition:
 – Each team consists of 7 players (including 1 goalkeeper).
 – Players can be substituted in and out of the game multiple times without any limit on the number of substitutions from designated spot.

3. Direct and Indirect Kicks:
All kicks (free kicks, goal kicks, etc.) are direct, meaning the ball can be kicked directly into the goal without touching another player.

The only exception is the kick-in, which must be taken as an indirect kick. This means that a goal cannot be scored directly from a kick-in.

2. Kick-Ins:
When the ball goes out of play along the sidelines, the game is restarted with a kick-in, not a throw-in.

4. Tackling:
Tackles are not permitted. Any physical challenges will be deemed a foul, and the referee will penalize accordingly.

5. Goalkeeper Restrictions:
Goalkeepers are prohibited from punting or drop-kicking the ball after gaining possession. They are only allowed to throw or dribble once they gain possession of the ball.

5. Referee Decisions:
The referee’s decision is FINAL on all matters during the game, including fouls, cards, and other in-game situations.

6. FIFA Regulations:
All other rules and regulations not specifically mentioned here will follow standard FIFA regulations.

Please note: no player/s changes or modifications to the team roster will be allowed after tie sheet draw.