GEORGE PRINCE KARKI SHINES IN DURAND CUP DEBUT, INSPIRES YOUNG NEPALI FOOTBALLERS

Jamshedpur, 26 July 2025: Nepal’s promising forward, George Prince Karki, has made a dream start to his maiden Durand Cup campaign, scoring in the opening match and capturing the attention of fans across the subcontinent. Playing in Asia’s oldest and one of its most prestigious football tournaments, Karki’s performance is not just a personal milestone but a proud moment for Nepalese football.

Reflecting on his goal in the opening fixture in Jamshedpur, George said, “Scoring in the opening match of my first Durand Cup was a surreal feeling. It was a proud moment not just for me but for everyone who’s supported my journey. I gave my best and I’m satisfied with how I performed, but I also see room to grow. The goal was just the beginning—I’m focused on contributing more for the team in the upcoming matches.”

George made his debut for the Tribhuvan Army team in 2015 and in a career spanning over a decade he has scored 25 goals for the Army side and went on to make his debut for the Nepal national side in 2017. He received seven international caps for Nepal. George has also played for FC Chitwan under his current coach K.C Meghraj in the Nepal Super League. FC Chitwan also coached by a certain Jamshedpur FC Head Coach Khalid Jamil in 2023 against whom he scored his goal. The striker was promoted to the rank of Captain in the Nepali Army in 2020.

While many may have assumed this was his second outing in the Durand Cup, George clarified that this is in fact his debut season. “Actually, this is my first Durand Cup appearance so everything feels new and exciting. The energy, the atmosphere, the level of competition—it’s intense and inspiring. Personally, I see this as a big learning experience and I’m soaking in every moment to grow stronger as a player,” he shared.

Representing his club on Indian soil, George carries more than just the weight of a jersey—he carries the hopes of a nation. “The Durand Cup carries so much history and being a Nepali footballer here feels like representing not just my club but my entire country. Scoring and contributing in such a prestigious tournament means everything… it’s a reminder that Nepali players can rise on big platforms,” he said with pride.

On the team’s current form and internal dynamics, George sounded optimistic. “The team spirit is fantastic… everyone’s hungry, focused and supporting one another. We’ve prepared well and there’s a strong belief within the group. We respect the competition but we also trust our process. If we stay united and learn from our mistakes, we definitely have what it takes to go far,” he noted.

To aspiring footballers in Nepal, George offered heartfelt advice. “To every young footballer back home, believe in your journey. Work hard, stay disciplined and never stop dreaming. Opportunities like the Durand Cup don’t come easy but with the right mindset and sacrifice, it’s possible. If I can make it here, so can you.”

As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on George Prince Karki, whose journey from Nepal to the Durand Cup continues to inspire a new generation of dreamers.