Tibetan supporters
Photo: Screen grab
With the FIFA World Cup starting today, football fever has not only hit the world but also the exile Tibetan community.
The Tibetan Men’s National Football Team in exile participated in theCONIFA 2018 World Cup in London, United Kingdom– an alternative “World Cup”for nations, minorities and regions who are not members of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA). The ten-day tournament was held from May 31 to June 9 – it was the second CONIFA World Cup since its inception in 2013 and the exile Tibetan team’s first time competing. This opportunity gave supporters from both inside Tibet and around the world a chance to experience the hope and pride of representing their nation.
The team was knocked out after three matches.
Tibetan Men’s National Team with His Holiness the Dalai Lama
“It is a dream to play for the national team. Football is the game that can make your country proud, whether you win or lose. I feel proud to play for my nation,” said Gelek Wangchuk, midfielder of Tibetan National Team, speaking to wamu.org.
Passang Dorjee, the team’s manager told the Independent that the team was blessed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama who told them to be “a compassionate Tibetan” wherever they go and to uphold and enhance Tibetan dignity.
Photo: AFP
The Tibetan National team fielded 22 players from India, Nepal, Canada, United States and France who came together to represent their nation among the 16 teams playing in the CONIFA tournament – played in advance of the FIFA World Cup which starts on June 14.
“Our main aim is always to bring people from across the world together that wouldn’t meet otherwise. Having Tuvaluans meeting Tibetans is just an important mission to make the world a more connected place, at least mentally,” said Sascha Düerkop, CONIFA General Secretary, speaking to LiveMint.
Winner of Thank You India Football Tournament
Photo: Norbu Jinpa /Facebook
Back in the exile community in Dharamshala, the football has continued with the “Thank You India” tournament hosted by the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) – the largest non-government Tibetan youth organisation, with 16 teams participating. The opening day saw a match between the Indo-Tibet Friendship Association and the team that represented the Tibetan NGOs.
The ten-day tournament wrapped up on June 10 with Victory Team winning the trophy after a tight match against Deckyiling Regional TYC with a ground packed with an audience of all ages – lay people and monks alike.
TYC said the aim of the tournament is to promote health awareness and unity among youngsters as well as to thank India for their support for Tibetans living in exile.
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