Butwal Lumbini FC is a professional football franchise competing in the Nepal Super League (NSL), proudly representing Butwal city and the sacred Lumbini region, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. With strong community roots and a vision for long-term football development, Butwal Lumbini FC brings new energy to Nepal’s growing franchise football ecosystem.

Overview

• Full Name: Butwal Lumbini Football Club

• Location: Butwal, Rupandehi District, Nepal

• Founded: 2021

• League: Nepal Super League (NSL)

• Home Ground: Dasarath Stadium, Kathmandu (NSL centralized venue)

• Franchise Owner: Event Court Pvt. Ltd.

• Club Colors: Yellow and Blue

• Nickname: The Lumbini Warriors

Background – A Club with Spiritual and Sporting Identity

Butwal Lumbini FC was established as one of the seven founding franchises of the Nepal Super League. Their identity is deeply linked to Lumbini, globally known as the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, and Butwal, one of Nepal’s fastest-growing urban centers.

Franchise Vision

• Representing the spirit of peace, resilience, and progress

• Showcasing the Terai’s sports talent on a national platform

• Blending heritage with modern football ambition

2021 NSL Season – The First Campaign

Butwal Lumbini FC had a competitive debut season in the NSL 2021:

• Qualified for the playoffs

• Displayed organized football and fighting spirit

• Lost in the semifinals but left a strong impression as a disciplined and hardworking team

Season Highlights

• Defeated Pokhara Thunders and FC Chitwan in key matches

• Played a tactically structured style, emphasizing solid defense and quick counters

Squad and Playing Style

Butwal Lumbini FC built a balanced squad combining youth talents, national team players, and impactful foreign signings.

Notable Players (NSL 2021)

• Ananta Tamang – Nepal national team defender, rock-solid at the back

• Ashish Lama – Exciting winger known for pace and flair

• William Opoku (Ghana) – Foreign forward who added goal-scoring prowess

• Bishwash Shrestha – Energetic midfielder and local star

Playing Style

• Defensive resilience and compact shape

• Direct counter-attacks with speed on the wings

• Tactical flexibility based on opponents

Coaching and Management

Butwal Lumbini FC was led by Suman Shrestha during the 2021 season.

Club Management Approach

• Emphasis on team discipline and physical fitness

• Focus on youth development programs in Lumbini Province

• Plans to invest in grassroots football and create a regional football academy

Fanbase and Regional Support

Even though based temporarily in Kathmandu for the NSL, Butwal Lumbini FC draws passionate support from:

• Residents of Butwal, Bhairahawa, and the greater Lumbini Province

• Youth communities inspired by football as a career opportunity

• Fans proud of the region’s peaceful, historic identity blended with modern sports ambition

Their success is a point of pride for people from the Terai and Lumbini belt.

Rivalries

Butwal Lumbini FC’s regional rivalries are growing quickly:

• FC Chitwan – Battle for Terai supremacy

• Pokhara Thunders – Midwestern pride matchup

• Kathmandu RayZRs – Testing themselves against capital-based powerhouses

These matches are seen as “north vs south” or urban vs regional contests in fan discussions.

Trivia

• Butwal Lumbini FC is the only franchise in NSL named after a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Lumbini).

• Their motto reflects peaceful strength — competing fiercely but promoting sportsmanship and respect.

• The team plans to launch a football development center in Butwal to scout and train young talents across Lumbini Province.