The third annual Himalayan Flavours GSC Cup, taking over Topaz Park on May 3 and 4, is about much more than soccer, say its organizers.
Founded in 2021, Gorkhali Sports Club (GSC) has become a cornerstone for the Nepalese community in Victoria, offering a space to bond over sports while bridging cultural gaps.
"We saw an opportunity to create something special – a space where the Nepalese community could come together, but also offer a chance for people from all walks of life to interact and learn from each other," said one of its three founders, Utshav Budhathaki. "It’s been about connection from the start."
The GSC Cup, a 7 vs 7 soccer tournament, has expanded significantly since its inaugural year. It attracted nearly 400 attendees last year and more teams, and this year’s tournament is expected to be even bigger.
“The growth has been incredible,” GSC co-founder Sanker Timsina said. “Last year, we had two teams from Seattle and even more from Vancouver. People are really starting to notice what we’re doing, and it’s exciting to see so many new faces each year.”
But getting to this point hasn’t been without its challenges. According to the group's third co-founder, Kundan Sapkota, one of the biggest hurdles was securing sponsorships to help make the event a reality.
“We had to work really hard to find sponsors who understood what we were trying to do and were willing to support us,” Sapkota said. “Thanks to Himalayan Flavours, our title sponsor, we’ve been able to make this event bigger every year.”
For the organizers, the GSC Cup isn’t just about playing the game.
"It’s about the entire experience – getting to know new people, enjoying some great food, and celebrating different cultures," Budhathaki said.
The opening ceremonies will feature traditional Nepalese dancing prior to the opening kick-off, and the national anthems of Canada, Nepal, and Bhutan. Opening day festivities are expected to begin on Saturday, May 3, at 9:30 a.m.
And of course, the food will be a highlight – attendees can enjoy a variety of traditional Nepalese dishes, such as Momo and Chicken Choila.
“We’ve had such a warm reception from the local community," Timsina said. "It feels good to see so many people come together – not just to watch but to be part of something that celebrates diversity and the love of soccer.”
“This is just the beginning,” Budhathaki added. “We’re proud of how far we’ve come, but there’s so much more to do. We want this event to be a platform for people to connect, celebrate, and, above all, have fun.”
