By Karma Yougyal & Jamyang Dorjee
Namchi, October 10 – Tibet National soccer team played today at the inaugural match of 25th All India Governors Gold Cup Tournament at the Bhaichung Stadium in Namchi by invitation and courtesy of the Sikkim Football Association (SFA).
Sikkim is celebrating the Silver Jubilee of the Tournament, which is one of the premier Tournaments of the country. National teams from Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and first class clubs of the country like Mohun Bagan, Mohmaden Sporting, East Bengal and Gorkha Regiment etc. participates in this tournament.
His Excellency Shri Rama Rao. Governor of Sikkim inaugurated the match. Minister for Sports and Youth welfare Shri. C. K. Mohra and other cabinet members were present to witness the Silver Jubilee inaugural Tournament.
This is the first time that the Tibetan National team is participating in the premier tournament of the country and it is a historic movement for the Tibetan sports world in India. Tibetans from Gangtok, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri, Ravangla and Namchi comprising of 60% of the 15,000 spectators watched the inaugural match played between Tibetan team and Sikkim Football Association (SFA XI). The Tibetan team lost by 2:1 goals. Tibet Supporters were carrying Tibetan National flags and cheering, among them were three Danish supporters with Tibetan National flags.
Members of the Tibetan National team led by Mr. Kelsang la was well received by the Tibetan Welfare Officer and Tibetan NGO’s in Gangtok. TYC Gangtok, which also is the official ticketing agency of SFA, played an active part in extending their support for the Tibetan National Team.
This participation has opened new opportunities for the Tibetan team in participating in future National tournaments in India.
