By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, July 13: The initiative by the Tibetan National Sports Association to boost sports in the overseas Tibetan community has concluded in Toronto with the host of the first ever Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial Gold Cup outside India winning the title on July 10 at the Centennial Park Stadium amid hoards of Tibetans cheering the final game.
Cholsum Football club (CFC from Toronto) beat the New York Tibet United team in a closely contested final which remained undecided in the regulated time, and went on to a penalty shootout. The host team edged out the team from US with a 4-3 score to become the first ever holders of the championship. Another team from Canada Calgary FC fought to bag the second runners up honor.
The final game was preceded by traditional Tibetan performances and concluded with a ceremonial gorshay dance after the winners CFC were given prize money of 3000 Dollars along with the coveted cup and the runners up 1000 Dollars as prize money.
The maiden football tournament overseas under the TNSA and co-hosted by Tibetan Canadian Cultural Centre (TCCC) took place in the Canadian city of Toronto with 12 teams from America, Canada and Europe vying for the coveted cup. The four day tournament played from July 7-10 July coinciding with the 81st birthday commemorations of His holiness the Dalai Lama featured teams from San Francisco, Boston, New York, Madison, Toronto, Paris and Calgary, among others.
“Tibetan communities in North America and Europe have grown over the years and in a position to facilitate such a prestigious tournament. This is a great opportunity and welcome news to all Tibetans living in North America and Europe, especially to the younger generation of Tibetan youth who have not had a chance to be a part of this ongoing tradition and to showcase their skills and talents,” the organizing committee stated.
