Martyr's Memorial 'A' Division League is one of the top division of the All Nepal Football Association in Nepal. Contested by 12 to 16 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation within the Martyr's Memorial B-Division League. The seasons run from November to March with every team playing each other once and the top six teams reach the Super Six round, where the teams again play each other once. It is currently sponsored by Qatar Airways and thus officially known as the Qatar AirwaysMartyr's Memorial A-Division League. A new Nepal National League was created in 2011 to give chance to compete A level tournaments to the clubs outside Kathmandu valley. Currently there are 9 clubs competing in the National League, 5 of which are the top 5 teams of Martyr's Memorial A-Division League. Currently in its 41st season, a total of 13 teams are competing for the league trophy. The 2013–14 season began on 30 December 2013.
History of the league
Prime ministerPadma Shumsher started the Ram Janaki Football tournament in 1934 with the objective of solidifying the increasing public interest in football. After the establishment of democracy in 1950, the NepaliPolice Force had initial successes, enjoying consecutive hat-trick wins and monopolizing the trophy for several years. The Nepal Football Association received the trophy from them, continuing the tournament in remembrance of national martyrs. The trophy is presented today to the winners of the "Martyr’s Memorial League Tournament". RCT won the trophy three subsequent times. 1973 saw the formation of the All Nepal Football Association, and the tournament continued under new authority, although there have been periodic stoppages due to financial and other reasons. League president, Ganesh Thapa, at one time revived ANFA, but could not continue it for long. Complying with other football power nation rules, Nepal made ANFA its base for selecting the national teams, although the league still struggled to continue going into the 21st century. Financial problems has caused many football clubs to fold and some to postpone their participation with the most recent being New Road Team which is the oldest club in Nepal.
Media coverage
With AP1 Television being one of the organizers of the A division league, they also serve as the official broadcasters of the league in Nepal.
Martyr's Memorial A-Division clubs participated in the AFC President's Cup from its foundation in 2005 till its dissolution in 2014. Since 2015, the winners of the Martyr's Memorial A-Division League qualify for the AFC Cup. A-Division clubs could also qualify for the Asian Club Championship before 2004.
