Poanta Chosum: As a part of celebration of ‘Year of Compassion’, the Poanta Cholsum Regional Ghoton Organising Committee organised a five-day commemorative football tournament from 6 to 10 September 2025. This event invited the players from both Tibetans and local residents in Poanta Sahib, who are 35 years of age or above to participate in the game.

The inaugural of this tournament was attended by Shri. Rakesh Kumar, Panchayat Pardhan as a chief guest accompanied by Headmaster of STS Poanta, Poanta Cholsum Settlement Officer and the representatives of local based Tibetan Associations.

The tournament saw the participation of 6 football teams including Poanta Cholsum, Dekyiling, Yugyaling, Friends Football Club, Paonta United FC, and Dhondupling United. This tournament aimed to strengthen the bonds between the local Indian communities and Tibetan settlements while commemorating His Holiness’s 90th birthday.

In his address, Chief Guest Shri Rakesh Kumar commended the settlement for organising this commemorative event aimed for fostering friendship between Tibetans and local residents. He prayed for the His Holiness’s long life and called on the Settlement to arrange more of such events in the forthcoming days.

Settlement Officer Gelek Jamyang presented Ghoton mementos to the chief guest and headmaster of STS Poanta. Then, the chief guest awarded participation prizes and gifts to all the participating teams.

The inauguration of this event concluded with the respective team captains introducing their teams to the chief guest followed by commencing the actual match.

–Report filed by TSO, Poanta Cholsum