Football Crazy

Contact is taking a holiday!

Contact is taking a break after 25 years of bringing you news of Tibet and Tibetan issues. We are celebrating our 25 years by bringing you the story of Contact and the people who have made it happen, and our archive is still there for you to access at any time, and below you can read the story of Contact, how it came into being and the wonderful reflections of the people who have made it happen over the years.

When and how Contact will re-emerge and evolve will be determined by those who become involved.

By Tenzin Younten / August 19, 2013;

The Gyalyum Chemo Memorial Gold Cup
photo: facebook

In 1981, the first The Gyalyum Chemo Memorial Gold Cup (GCMGC) club level tournament was organised in loving memory of Diki Tsering, the late mother of His holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Over the years various bodies have taken charge of organising the GCMGC football tournament and today it is the most prestigious football tournament in the Tibetan community.

The Tibetan National Sports Association (TNSA) has organised the GCMGC since 2003; today it is fully responsible for organising the tournament every year. GCM is a tournament that maximises the involvement of young Tibetan people and, through this tournament, TNSA selects its national team for participation in tournaments around the world. One of the functions of the GCM is a process of strengthening the mentoring and selection process at both school and club levels. It was held in Dharamsala for the first few years but since the 13th GCMGC in 2007 has moved around different Tibetan settlements in India.

This year, the 19th GCMGC tournament was held in Rabgyaling Tibetan settlement, Hunsur (South India) from July 21 and lasted for 12 days. 22 teams from three countries participated (19 from India, one from Canada and two from Nepal). The final match was played on August 1 this year with Goa FC versus Dhondupling FC (Clementown) under harsh, rainy conditions. Both were nil at full time, but during extra time, Jersey number 10 from the Dhondupling side scored a goal which led to victory for Clementown.

The Top Scorer award was presented to Ogen Tsering of Goa FC and the Fair Play award given to Mangalore FC.

Tibetans have always had a passion for soccer. You will find a football ground in every Tibetan settlement, and witness children playing football with bare feet in every Tibetan school, and and in the dormitories you will always find football fan posters.