Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, Sep 8: The Tibetan National Men’s Football Team delivered one of its most spirited campaigns at the 3rd Climate Cup Football Tournament 2025, held at the Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Astro Turf Open Stadium in Spituk, Ladakh. Though their journey ended in the semi-finals against Rajasthan United FC, Team Tibet’s run captured the imagination of fans across Ladakh and the Tibetan diaspora.
Organised by the Ladakh Football Association with support from LAHDC Leh and sponsored by Power Grid Corporation of India Limited, the Climate Cup has emerged as a unique event blending high-altitude football with environmental awareness. This year’s tournament, played at over 11,000 feet above sea level from 1st to 7th September, featured nine teams—five from Ladakh and four from outside the region: Team Tibet, Sudeva Delhi FC, Rajasthan United FC and FIFA AIFF Odisha.
Team Tibet’s campaign began on a high note as they stunned the AIFF FIFA Talent Academy, Odisha, with a 2–1 victory in the tournament opener. Building on that momentum, they fought hard to defeat Kargil’s Real Lona FC 3–2 in their second league match, booking a spot in the semi-finals alongside some of India’s top professional sides—Rajasthan United FC, Sudeva Delhi FC, and 1 Ladakh FC.
In the semi-final, the Tibetan side put up a valiant fight before going down 3–1 to Rajasthan United FC, one of the most competitive clubs in the I-League, India’s second-tier professional division. Rajasthan eventually lost in the final to Sudeva Delhi FC in a penalty shootout.
Despite the exit, Team Tibet’s campaign drew widespread praise. On social media, fans hailed the team’s growth and dedication. “This year was truly different—players were more active, putting in real effort and dedication,” wrote netizen Sonz Dhar, a Tibetan supporter. “To give professional teams like Rajasthan United a tough fight was truly worth watching. A big thanks to the players, coaches, and the TNSA President for their remarkable effort.”
For Team Tibet, this year’s performance marked a sharp turnaround from 2024, when Team Tibet endured a disappointing exit in the group stages, losing both matches. But their return to form in 2025 rekindled memories of their strong debut in the inaugural Climate Cup in 2023, when they reached the final before falling to Delhi FC. With each edition, the Tibetan team has demonstrated resilience and passion, carrying the pride of a people without a country onto the football pitch.
