By Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, Aug 8: The 4th International Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial Gold Cup (GCMGC) concluded with Toronto Cholsum FC as the champion, and marking their third title in the tournament’s history. Organized by TNSA International, the event took place from August 2 to 4 and featured eleven teams from the North America.
The participating teams included Team Tibet New York, Cholsum FC Toronto, Gangchenpa United Toronto, Toronto Tibet United, Phayul United Toronto, Pemakoe FC Toronto, Pokhara FC Toronto, Drokpa FC, Calgary FC, Snow Lion FC New York, and Druk Canada FC. The final match, held at Rob Ford Stadium in Toronto, saw an impressive turnout, making it the second-largest attendance in the stadium’s history.
The final match was a nail-biting encounter between Cholsum FC (Toronto) against Snow Lion FC (New York). Snow Lion FC took the lead with a well-placed shot into the lower left of the goal following a ricochet. Cholsum FC equalized in the dying moments of regular time with a dramatic header, pushing the match into extra time. In the seventh minute of extra time, Cholsum FC secured their victory with a decisive goal, culminating from a series of passes and a precise tap-in into the net.
The apex sports body of the Tibetan exiles organized its first-ever GCM tournament outside India in Toronto in 2016 and was participated by 12 teams from the US and Canada. Cholsum FC clinched their first title in the inaugural tournament. The second tournament took place in 2018 in New York, USA, with Team Tibet New York emerging victorious. The third edition, held in San Francisco, USA, in 2022, saw Cholsum FC reclaim the title. This year’s triumph solidifies Cholsum FC’s dominance, winning three out of the four tournaments so far.
In parallel to the main event, the 1st 35 Years Plus Tournament was held, featuring five teams: Madison Yak FC (USA), Toronto United FC (Canada), Pokhara Tashiling (Canada), Tibet FC New York (USA), and Boston Tibetan FC (USA). Boston Tibetan FC emerged victorious in this inaugural senior tournament, adding another layer of excitement to the GCM festivities.
