By Tsering Dhhundup
DHARAMSHALA, Oct 11: The Apex Tibetan sports body, the Tibetan National Sports Association (TNSA) has officially revoked the five-year ban imposed on Shimla United Football Club (Shimla FC) on Monday.
In a statement posted on their social media platform, TNSA declared that Shimla FC had submitted a letter of apology, which was signed by both the players and the team manager. This action followed a meeting between Shimla FC representatives and the executive members of the TNSA. Consequently, the TNSA has decided to lift the ban, allowing Shimla FC to participate in the upcoming GCMGC event in Hunsur scheduled next year.
The statement further elucidated that the ban was initially imposed in 2022 after a contentious incident during the GCMGC final match, in which Shimla FC withdrew from the game. TNSA had requested a formal letter of apology, signed by both the players and the manager, as a condition for lifting the ban. Despite two previous opportunities provided by the TNSA, Shimla FC did not submit the letter, leading to a five-year suspension.
However, on September 25, 2023, Shimla FC finally submitted the apology letter. Subsequently, on October 4, the members of the TNSA convened for a meeting during which they collectively decided to lift the ban on Shimla FC.
Speaking to Phayul, Namgyal Phuntsok, the captain of Shimla FC, expressed his team’s joy and gratitude regarding the TNSA’s decision to lift the five-year ban. He also took the opportunity to extend an apology to the general public for any inconveniences caused by their previous actions. Phuntsok lamented the initial ban, citing that one of the players had missed out on the opportunity to participate in the national team’s European tour due to the suspension. He concluded by expressing his team’s eagerness to participate in the forthcoming GCMGC event in Hunsur Tibetan settlement in South India next year.
