A report by Karma T. Ngodup, APFA Adviser
GANGTOK, June 16: The second APFA Gold Cup kicked off amidst a foggy morning in the scenic hill city of Gangtok, setting a serene backdrop to what would become a vibrant celebration of Tibetan culture and football. The opening ceremony began with a stirring performance by the Sikkim Police Band, composed notably of several talented women—an inspiring start to the tournament on Sunday at the iconic Paljor Stadium in Gangtok, Sikkim.
Following this was a rare and powerful performance by the Kalimpong Gangjong Troupe, who showcased the ancient and dynamic Tibetan dance known as Dro. This dance, both energetic and profound, signaled the community’s dedication to preserving Tibet’s unique cultural heritage. This was followed by an exceptional Snow Lion dance performed entirely by women—a rarity in Tibetan cultural performance—and a spectacular display of traditional Tibetan dance by a group of 84 women, culminating with 72-year-old Ama Kyipa la, the oldest performer of the day, symbolizing the enduring strength and grace of Tibetan women across generations.
The unique sporting event brought together over 400 veteran Tibetan footballers from across the globe in a unique celebration of sport, community, and culture. Organised by APFA in collaboration with the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (RTYC) Gangtok, the tournament will play out until June 30. The participants led by the organising committee vowed to adhere to Sikkim’s strong environmental regulations: a ban on plastic bags, public smoking, gutka, and the carrying of water bottles under 2 liters. These rules, though strict, align perfectly with the spirit of health and responsibility that APFA champions.
The opening match between Mundgod and Gangtok (in red) took place at the renowned Paljor Stadium—a national-level pitch where the quality of play reflects not the conditions but the teams’ own skill. The game showcased impressive passing and coordination from both sides, promising a high standard of football for the rest of the tournament.
This year’s tournament, held in celebration of the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Sikkim’s 50th Statehood Anniversary, and International Father’s Day, was inaugurated with a vibrant ceremony attended by Sikkim Sports Minister Raju Basnet. Addressing the gathering, Minister Basnet lauded the event as a “tribute to health, fatherhood, and resilience”, reflecting both athletic and social values.
APFA President Tsering Yeshi, in his opening remarks, declared the tournament “a festival of health”, wishing all the participants a Happy Father’s Day and reiterating APFA’s mission to promote wellness, cross-cultural unity, and a strong sense of identity through sport.
This second edition of the APFA Gold Cup has grown significantly from its inaugural tournament held in Dhondupling, Clement Town, with 20 teams participating this year, up from 14 in 2024. The competing teams include entries from India, Nepal, the United States, and France—marking the growing international scope of the event. Notably, the French team includes several players from India.
Participating teams include Dhasa 40+ Football United. Dharamshala, Kunphenling FC, Ravangla Sikkim, Yugalling FC Balluwala, Uttarakhand; Yaks Veteran FC; and Darjeeling, West Bengal. Dhondenling Sport Club Kollegal. TDL Sports Association Bylakuppe. DYSA Mundgod, Karnataka, Happy FC, Kathmandu, Nepal. 40+ Choephelling FC Miao. Dhondupling Legends Clement Town. Kabug Drogpas Kalimpong, Pundha United legends. Dekyling Sports Club, Dehradun. Drapchi Army, Shillong. Rabgayling FC, Hunsur. Samyeling FC Delhi. Paonta Cholsum FC, Gangtok FC Red, Sikkim. Gangtok FC Blue, Sikkim, and Drogpa United legends.
“This is probably the first time in history that a Tibetan football tournament involving almost all Tibetan settlements is being held at such a stadium,” APFA President Yeshi told Phayul, underlining the unprecedented venue of this year’s event. He also revealed that the 3rd APFA Gold Cup will be hosted in a South Indian settlement, with the host settlement yet to be finalised.
The tournament champions will receive ₹1.5 lakh, while the runners-up will take home ₹1 lakh. In addition to the competition, APFA aims to scout and form a Tibetan 40+ national team to participate in international veteran matches, strengthening Tibetan representation in global sporting events.
This year’s edition also introduced new rules to ensure fair play and inclusive participation. Each 11-member team must now include four players aged 40–45, six players aged 46–55, and one player aged 55 or older. A new substitution rule has also been implemented, allowing older players to substitute for younger ones but not vice versa. Each team is composed of 20 individuals, including players, coaching staff, and managers.
The tournament will go for two weeks with each team will play at least four games in the preliminary rounds before heading into the quarterfinals. In addition, APFA plans to form a 40+ national team to represent Tibet in matches against other nationalities, both within the diaspora and internationally.
Tsering Dhundup contributed reporting.
2 Responses
(to be included as a reflection I initially forgot):
Above all, I must acknowledge the exceptional support and solidarity shown by the Tibetan community in Gangtok. Their deep-rooted cultural pride and unwavering Tibetan identity express a powerful emotional and geographic connection to their homeland. Their strong commitment to APFA—an organization that channels the hopes and energy of Tibetan youth—demonstrates a shared vision of a free and united Tibet, preserved through strength, culture, and sport. The success of the event owes much to the inspiring leadership of RTYC President Mr. Tsephel and the wholehearted involvement of the entire Tibetan community in Gangtok.
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