GCMGC FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT : INTRODUCTION

In 1981, the first club level tournament was organized in loving memory of the late mother of His Holiness (14th) the Dalai Lama - the Gyalyum Chemo Memorial Gold Cup (GCMGC). A special committee was formed to start the tournament. Over the years various bodies took charge of organizing the GCMGC football tournament. Today it is the most prestigious tournament in the Tibetan community.

TNSA came into the picture of organizing the GCMGC in 2003. Today it is fully responsible for organizing this tournament every year. There are more than twenty registered football clubs under TNSA. This is one tournament that involves maximum Tibetan youth and through this tournament, the TNSA selects its national team for participation in tournaments around the world. We are in the process of strengthening this mentoring and selection process- both at the school and club levels

For the first time, the GCMGC Football Tournament was organized outside Dharamsala. 13th GCMGC Football Tournament was organized in Tibetan Colony, Clement Town, Dehradun in 2007. Again, 14th GCMGC Football Tournament was organized in 2008 at Doeguling Tibetan Settlement, Mungod South India. Both tournaments were very successful in every department.

In 2007, for the first time, the TNSA had organized this prestige tournament out side Dharamsala. The 13th GCMGC Football Tournament was played in Tibetan Colony, Clement Town from 29th June to 6th July 2007. Under the Chairmanship of Dickyiling Tibetan Welfare Officer Mr. Damdul, the organizing committee was formed. Besides, local committee members, TNSA Executive Committee Members from Dharamsala Mr. Tenzin Dhargay, Mr. Ngwang Yeshi and Mr. Kalsang Dhondup joined with the local organizing committee The local committee members were from RTYC, RTWA and Representative from Mussoorie, Rajpur, Tsering Dhonden, Clement Town and Lingstang. Mendroling Monastery and Office of Tibetan Colony, Clement Town took special responsibility in organizing this tournament.

In 2008, the 14th GCMGC Football Tournament was organized in Doeguling Tibetan Settlement, Mundgod. Mr. Palden Dhondup, the representative of H.H. the Dalai Lama was one of the men behind this tournament. The organizing committee comprising of nine camp leaders, Chagzo of seven monasteries, RTYC, RTWA and Lhamo Tsokpa members was formed to organize the tournament.

Mr. Karma Tenzin of Karma Shedrup Phegye ling Labrang took over all responsibility of making new field and arranging necessary arrangement during entire tournament.

Now other settlements want to organize this tournament in their respective settlement.

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• The organizing committee was formed under the Chairmanship of Mr. Palden Dhondup, representative of H.H. the Dalai Lama and Mr. Kalsang Dhondup from TNSA Dharamsala as vice chairman In addition work distribution was worked out.
• The organizing committee consist of nine Camp Leaders, nine Chakzoe of two major monasteries and five minor monasteries, President of RTYC,RTWA and President of Lhamo Tsokpa.
• Mr. Karam Tenzin of Kagyoue Monastery, took whole responsibility of ground related works: Preparation, making new goal posts, marking, setting up huge stage for the Guests, arranged tent for entire spectators places. In total, they have spent almost more than three lacs. on ground preparation and decoration. To say Thank You, the TNSA have presented a special souvenir to His Eminent Dopgyue Rinpoche on the opening ceremony.
• TNSA able to collect a record gate money of Rs 350910 three lacs (fifty thousand nine hundred and ten) and as per agreement 10% of its was given to RTYC and RTWA as commission.
• The Chief Guest for the opening ceremony was His Eminent Ling Chotrul Rinpoche and Mr. Palden Dhondup, Representative of the settlement. Was the Chief Guest for the closing.
• It was one of the best tournaments ever organized by TNSA in terms of crowd attendant, discipline of spectators and overwhelming support by all section of people.
• The Executive Secretary had thanked all the concerned people for their commitment and so cooperative in making this tournament a success one.
• Finally the Dhondupling F C (Clement Town) were emerged as 14 th GCMGC Football Tournament Champion defeating last year Champion Bylakuppe F C by 2-1 goals.

At the end, the Tibetan National Sports Association (TNSA) would like to thank all the Dinner Sponsors, NGOs, Monasteries and everyone for their sincere and indomitable support and cooperation which made this GCM Gold Cup Tournament 2008 a grand success! THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN ONE AND ALL!