By Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, July 4: The Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama blessed the recently selected men’s Tibetan national football team at his residence here on Monday. The audience with the Dalai Lama comes as the team is preparing to compete in the highly anticipated CONIFA Asia Cup 2023 in Belgium.
During the meeting, the Tibetan National Team received words of encouragement and blessings from the foremost Buddhist figure who emphasized the importance of unity, fair play, and determination, instilling a sense of motivation and purpose in the team as they gear up to represent Tibet on the international stage.
Scheduled to take place from August 1 to August 6, 2023, the CONIFA Asia Cup is a prestigious tournament that showcases the skills and talents of regions and communities not affiliated with FIFA. The competition will bring together diverse teams from around Asia, promoting cultural exchange and fostering international understanding through the medium of sports.
In a show of support from the Central Tibetan Administration, Sikyong Penpa Tsering also interacted with the Tibet National Team at the Kashag Secretariat in Gangchen Kyishong on the same day. During the interaction, Sikyong Penpa Tsering expressed his encouragement and support for the team, conveying the administration’s commitment to promoting sports among Tibetans and their aspirations for success in the tournament.
Tibetan National Team has selected three Tibetan players from the United States, three from Canada, and one from Australia. However, the team is still awaiting confirmation from three players based in Europe, whose participation would further strengthen the squad, in addition to the majority of the squad that was selected from the Indian subcontinent.
The team’s participation in the CONIFA Asia Cup 2023, Tibetans hope, will not only highlight the sporting prowess but also serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the Tibetan cause and the situation in Tibet.
One Response
Congratulations. All the best.