By Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, Aug. 31: The Tibetan National Men’s Football Team is set to participate in the second edition of the Climate Cup in UT of Ladakh, a pioneering tournament dedicated to raising awareness about climate change through the sport of football.
Six teams will compete in this year’s tournament: the Tibetan National Team, J&K Bank Football Club, Skalzangling FC, 1 Ladakh FC, Gokulam Kerala FC, and North East United FC. Among these, the Tibetan National Team and 1 Ladakh FC also participated in the inaugural edition of the tournament last year.
The tournament format includes two group stages, leading up to the semi-finals stage. The Tibetan National Team is scheduled to face North East United FC on September 2 at 2 PM, followed by a match against 1 Ladakh FC on September 3 at 2 PM. All matches will be broadcast live on gully91.com.
In the previous edition of the Climate Cup, the Tibetan National Team secured second place after a 6-0 defeat against Delhi FC in the final match. This year, the team, featuring many new players, underwent over 20 days of training camp in Poanta Cholsum Settlement to prepare for the tournament.
The Climate Cup, to be held at Spituk Football Stadium, Ladakh is notable for its commitment to sustainability and its unique location, with matches taking place at an altitude of 11,000 feet above sea level.
The Climate Cup is recognized as one of the world’s lowest carbon-footprint football tournaments. It features strict eco-friendly measures, including a zero-plastic policy and the use of battery-operated buses for player and staff transportation. Local fruits are provided as refreshments to support Ladakh’s green ecosystem, further emphasizing the tournament’s dedication to environmental preservation.
In addition to the football matches, the Climate Cup will host a one-day conference titled ‘Climate 11,’ scheduled for September 6. The conference will focus on the intersection of sports, sustainability, and climate change.
Further promoting sustainability, the Ladakh Forest Department will plant ten trees for every goal scored throughout the tournament. The winner’s trophy is crafted from wood and adorned with traditional Ladakhi motifs, symbolizing the region’s rich cultural heritage.
