Games of Thames- Phase I- Futsal Auction

The Thames International College auditorium was filled with energy as the futsal auction, organized by the Thames Sports Club. The event opened with a warm welcome and a clear explanation of the auction rules, setting a fair and organized tone for the day. The bidding was led by Ritik Sah. Each team entered with a 3.5 lakh point purse and the clear goal of building a seven-player squad. Players were categorized according to experience, with base prices starting at 10,000 points, increasing to 25,000 points for league players, and 50,000 points or more for existing college futsal players. Bids rose in steps of 5,000 points, and once prices crossed 100,000, the increments jumped to 10,000 points, raising the intensity with every bid.

The auction saw strong competition among Pokhara Panthers, Janakpur Bulls, Dhangadhi Dragons, Chitwan Rhinos, Nepalgunj Phoenix, Lumbini Lions, Gorkha Gorillas, and Jhapali Jaguars, all determined to secure the best possible squads. Phase 1 was packed with aggressive bidding and early budget shake-ups, as several players attracted heavy interest. The standout moment of the phase came when Binay Malla was sold for a remarkable 2.6 lakhs, setting the highest mark of the auction. Phase 2 began at 10 AM, with unsold players returning at half of their original base price. By this stage, the pressure was unmistakable. Budgets were tighter, calculations became quicker, and every bid felt crucial. Going into this phase, Gorkha Gorillas held 2.75 lakhs, Pokhara Panthers had 2.80 lakhs, Dhangadhi Dragons stood at 1.00 lakh, Chitwan Rhinos had 0.60 lakhs, while Lumbini Lions and Nepalgunj Phoenix each worked with 0.25 lakhs. Some teams wrapped up their squads early, while others were pushed into tense, last-minute decisions to meet the mandatory seven-player requirement. As the final bids were placed and every team completed their squad, the tension inside the auditorium slowly turned into relief and excitement. The auction proved to be more than just player selection, it was about tough choices, quick thinking, and trusting a team’s vision. With rivalries already taking shape, the stage is now perfectly set for a thrilling futsal tournament ahead.