DHARAMSHALA:  Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay, as the chief guest, graced the final match of the highly popular Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial (GCM) football tournament between team Phuntsokling FC (Orissa) and Tashiphelgyal sports club (Pokhra) yesterday.

The match began with a mintue’s silence in respect towards the sacrifices of 38 Tibetans who have set themselves on fire in Tibet.

Speaking at the event, Kalon Tripa spoke about the importance of sports and health in our daily life while extolling the good work done by the Tibetan National Sports Association (TNSA) in promoting the culture of sports in our Tibetan community.

Acknowledging the Tibetan people’s love for sports irrespective of age or lifestyle, he said we should use sports as a unifying factor among Tibetans.

He also took the opportunity to create awareness about general healthcare and social issues, and added  that children should be encouraged to take part in sports so as to tackle the rising cases of drug and substance abuse in some schools.

Phuntsokling FC (orissa) won the match clinching the title of the 17th  GCM Gold Cup in a thrilling penalty shoot-out. Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay did the honours of presenting the trophy to the winning side.

, Phuntsokling FC, the winners of the GCM Gold Cup tournament with the trophy.