Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, Oct. 8: The All Pala Football Association (APFA) has announced significant changes for its second Gold Cup tournament, scheduled to take place in 2025 at Paljor Stadium in Gangtok, Sikkim.
The upcoming edition will feature an expanded roster of teams and introduce new player composition rules, marking an evolution in this unique sporting event designed for Tibetan males aged 40 and above. In a notable departure from the inaugural tournament’s regulations, the APFA has implemented specific age distribution requirements for on-field players to ensure fair play across age groups. Each 11-member team must now field four players between the ages of 40-45, six players aged 46-55, and one player aged 55 and older, making up the 11-member team.
Additionally, a new substitution rule has been introduced: older players can substitute for younger ones, but not vice versa. Each team’s total contingent will consist of 20 participants, including coaching and management staff.
The inaugural APFA Gold Cup held at Dhundupling settlement, won by Potala XI Odisha, featured over 200 players from India and Nepal in a 14-day competition. While specific dates for the 2025 tournament are yet to be announced, the expanded format promises an even more engaging event.
The finalized team lineup for the second edition includes teams from across India and Nepal. Dhasa 40+ Football United Dharamshala, Kunphenling FC, Ravangla Sikkim,Yugalling FC Balluwala Uttarakhand, Yaks Veteran FC, Darjeeling West Bengal,Dhondenling Sport Club Kollegal, TDL Sports Association Bylakuppe, DYSA Mundgod Karnataka, Happy FC Kathmandu Nepal, 40+ Choephelling FC Miao, Dhondupling Legends Clement Town, Kabug Drogpas Kalimpong, Pundha United legends, Dekyling Sports Club Dehradun, Drapchi Army Shillong, Rabgayling FC Hunsur, Samyeling FC Delhi, Paonta Cholsum FC, Gangtok FC, Sr Sikkim, Gangtok FC, Jr Sikkim and Drogpa United legends.
The APFA has expressed gratitude to all participating teams for their compliance with the new guidelines. In their statement, organizers emphasized the tournament’s core values of fairness, respect, and integrity. While acknowledging the challenges posed by the new rules, they highlighted the collective commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.
