Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, June 11: DYSA Mundgod etched their name in exile Tibetan football history on Wednesday, defeating Tashi Dekyi Lartso (TDL) Bylakuppe 3-1 in the final of the 30th Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial Gold Cup (GCMGC) at Dharamshala.
The victory marks DYSA Mundgod’s second consecutive championship, having previously lifted the trophy in Hunsur Rabgyaling last year. With this triumph, they have now won their sixth GCMGC title, matching the record held by Dhondupling FC.
DYSA Mundgod’s path to the championship was marked by resilience and determination, completing the entire tournament without a single defeat. Their campaign began in a challenging group stage where they drew 1-1 with Poanta Cholsum FC before securing a crucial 2-1 victory over Hunsur Rabgyaling FC. They concluded the group phase with another 1-1 draw against six-time champions Dhondupling FC.
In the knockout stages, DYSA Mundgod showed their championship mettle. They overcame Delhi Samyeling FC 2-1 in the quarterfinals before edging past Dhondenling Kollegal FC 2-0 in extra time during the semifinals.
The runners-up, TDL Bylakuppe, also reached the final with an unbeaten record. Their group stage saw draws against Tezu Dhargyeling (1-1) and Miao Chompheling FC (1-1) before defeating Kollegal Dhondenling FC 3-1. In the knockout rounds, they secured narrow 1-0 victories over both Kathmandu H&C in the quarterfinals and Dhondupling FC in the semifinals.
Speaking to Phayul after the victory, DYSA Mundgod captain Tenzin Samdup highlighted the challenges his team overcame. “The journey has been difficult for us, from recruiting the players and the journey from south India to here and the weather; it was a very difficult task for us,” he said.
“From the group stage, our pool was very difficult. In each match we have to give everything; until the last whistle, we didn’t give up. The reason we won the cup is because of our team’s perseverance. This cup is for the people of Mundgod, and we are very happy that we won the cup.”
More than one thousand spectators witnessed the thrilling final at the tournament’s spiritual home in Dharamshala, creating an electric atmosphere for the championship decider.
Tibetan National Sports Association (TNSA) Director Jangchup Gyaltsen praised the tournament’s success, stating, “The organisation has worked hard for the tournament’s success, and it has been a successful tournament. This year most of the teams are good, and it looks like they have prepared well for the tournament.”
Looking ahead, Gyaltsen announced that the 31st GCMGC will be hosted in Kollegal Tibetan Settlement, Karnataka, continuing the tournament’s tradition of rotating venues across Tibetan settlements.
With this victory, DYSA Mundgod has firmly established themselves as the dominant force in contemporary Tibetan football, matching the historical achievements of Dhondupling FC while setting their sights on creating their own football dynasty in the years to come.
