Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, June 2: The Tibetan exile community’s most prestigious sporting event, the Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial Gold Cup’s 30th edition kicked off on Sunday at the Dharamshala Tibetan Children’s Village playground. The tournament honours Diki Tsering, the beloved mother of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tibet’s spiritual leader.
This year’s tournament carries special significance as it celebrates His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday. In a departure from the usual rotation schedule maintained by the Tibetan National Sports Association, the tournament was moved to Dharamshala specifically to mark this milestone, despite it being another North Indian settlement’s turn to host.
The 11-day tournament features 16 teams representing Tibetan settlements across India and Nepal, with no teams from outside Asia participating this year.
The southern Tibetan settlements are represented by four teams: title holders DYSA Mundgod, TDL Dickey Larsoe Settlement Bylakuppe, Dhondenling FC Kollegal, and Hunsur Rabling FC Rabgyaling. Meanwhile, the northern region fields six teams in the competition: Poanta Cholsum FC from Poanta Sahib, Dhondupling FC from Clement Town, Shugar United FC from Dharamshala, Samyeling FC from Delhi, and TCB United from Bir.
The northeastern Tibetan settlements contribute three teams to the tournament: Tezu Dhargyaling, Choephelling FC from Miao, and Gangtok FC from Sikkim. Two teams from Nepal are also participating: Tashiling Potala FC representing Pokhara and KTM Hope and Challenge from Kathmandu. The field is completed by TCV United, a specially assembled team featuring players from various Tibetan Children’s Village schools.
The competition follows a structured format with group stage and quarter-final matches lasting 40 minutes per half, while semi-finals and the final extend to 45 minutes per half. All matches will be shown live on Tibet TV, ensuring the global Tibetan community can also follow the action.
The tournament opened with an entertaining 1-1 draw between defending champions DYSA Mundgod and Poanta Cholsum FC. The match featured drama early on when Mundgod was awarded a penalty just 15 minutes into the game following a handball by a Poanta defender. Dechen successfully converted the spot kick to give the champions the lead.
However, Poanta Cholsum responded with determination, finding their equaliser through Sonam Dhondup in the dying moments of the first half. The 40th-minute goal ensured both teams shared the points in the tournament opener. Sonam Dhondup’s impressive performance earned him the Best Player award for the match.
The Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial Gold Cup represents more than just a football tournament for the Tibetan exile community. It serves as a vital cultural gathering that strengthens bonds between settlements scattered across different countries while honouring the memory of Diki Tsering and celebrating their spiritual leader’s landmark birthday.
The tournament continues through June 11, promising 10 more days of competitive football that will culminate in the crowning of the 30th champion of this competition.
