Kalon Tripa Opens GCM Tournament
Kalon Tripa addressing the opening ceremony of GCM tournament |
Dharamsala, 7 June: The 13th Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial Gold Cup was opened by Kalon Tripa Samdhong Rinpoche on Saturday as eight teams from all over India and Nepal paraded in front of a strong crowd at the TCV School ground.
Rinpoche lauded the Tibetan National Sports Association for having achieved great success in just few years. “Both the exile Tibetan administration and Tibetans would and should support its future endeavours to be successful”
Apart from being a competition, sports are a means of practical education for establishing friendly relations, Rinpoche said. “These days, sports have become a tool for achieving political end and establishing friendly ties. Especially, for the exiled Tibetans, sports are a medium to develop international relations, make political declarations, and also to exhibit the skills and expertise of the Tibetan people.”
Tournament’s first match between Pokhara and Southern Stars in play |
Pokhara, one of the strong favorites, appeared struggling with their form. Despite keeping in possession of the ball for most of the time, they failed to score except in the 11th minute, when a long range kick from Nyima Gyalpo, the right wing player, caught the keeper napping far in front of the post, and scored the tournament’s first goal.
After the ceremony, the first match between the defending champion, Pokhara and the Southern Stars ended in a 1-1 tie.
Fans were heard saying that one reason for Pokhara’s somewhat disappointing performance could be their inability to adjust to the absence of one of their key players, Tsetan Namgyal.
The Southern Stars, though quite disorganised and chaotic at times, appeared quite strong in their counter attack because of some talented individual players. The star of the day was its goalkeeper, who made several spectacular saves and shattered Pokhara’s hopes of securing 3 points.
“If he continues with this form for the next few matches, he sure will book his name in the national squad”, a spectator remarked.
The second match between Kathmandu and Bir/Chauntra finished 4-1 in former’s favour.