By Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, Sept 8: The Tibetan national men’s football team secured the second position at the inaugural Climate Cup in Leh, UT Ladakh, after suffering a 6-0 defeat against Delhi FC during the final game of the tournament. The Climate Cup, the first of its kind, was played at the Open Stadium in Spituk, Leh, at an altitude of 11,000 feet above sea level from September 1 to 7.
The Tibetan national football team’s journey in the tournament commenced on a challenging note with a 2-4 loss to Delhi FC. However, they bounced back in their second match, securing a 4-2 victory against the UT Ladakh Association. Their winning momentum persisted as they notched a 2-1 win against 1Ladakh FC in their third match, propelling them to the final match.
Various dignitaries attended the final game, including the Hon’ble Lt. Governor, All India Football Federation President Kalyan Chaubey, and Indian Football legend Bhaichung Bhutia. The Tibetan team received runners-up medals, a trophy, and a cash prize of 200,000 rupees.
The organizers of the ‘Climate Cup 2023’ stated that they had a dual mission in mind; firstly, to provide a platform for players to showcase their skills and, secondly, to instil a profound sense of environmental responsibility. The tournament took significant steps to minimize its environmental footprint, implementing policies that banned polythene usage and promoted minimal waste generation. In line with these efforts, the event’s clothing and logistical requirements were meticulously crafted from recycled materials.Electric buses are used to take players to and from the matches, and plastic was prohibited at the stadium. Players were given multi-use aluminium sippers and water supplied during the tournament was supplied from a local spring.
It is the first tournament in Asia to be held at an altitude of more than 11,000 feet (3,350 meters), making it a challenging experience for both players and organizers. Players had to acclimatize to the high altitude for at least two days before the matches began, and despite their best efforts, the intensity of the games was affected due to the altitude.
