Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, Feb. 24: The apex Tibetan exile sports body, Tibetan National Sports Association (TNSA) has officially announced the first-ever Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial Gold Cup (GCMGC) International tournament in Europe on Sunday. Held in honour of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s late mother Diki Tsering, the tournament is scheduled to take place in Zurich, Switzerland, from August 14-16, 2025. This announcement follows two previous unsuccessful attempts to organise the event in Europe.
The first European GCMGC tournament comes after two earlier attempts to establish the competition in Europe faced setbacks. The 2020 tournament scheduled in Belgium was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, while pitch booking issues prevented the 2022 tournament from happening in Paris, France.
TNSA Executive Director Janchup Gyaltsen emphasized the organization’s long-standing ambition to bring the tournament to Europe. “We have tried to host GCMGC International in Europe for a long time but faced setbacks due to COVID and logistical problems. This year, we are positive that we can organise the tournament successfully,” he said. He also revealed plans to expand the tournament further, stating, “We are also planning to host GCMGC in Australia in the future.”
The tournament scheduled in just two month’s time in Zurich will be helmed by Karma Samdup, head of the TNSA chapter in England, with the help of other international chapters. The international expansion of the GCMGC began in 2016, when the first tournament outside India was held in Toronto, Canada, featuring 12 teams from the United States and Canada. Toronto Cholsum FC emerged victorious after defeating New York Tibet United in a penalty shootout. Subsequent North American tournaments were held in New York (2018), San Francisco (2022), and Toronto (2024).
TNSA is currently seeking team registrations and volunteers to support the event’s organisation. The association has specifically called for individuals with marketing and publicity expertise, as well as community members interested in sponsorship opportunities. Interested parties can contact the organising committee at gcmgceurope@gmail.com.
The tournament represents a milestone for Tibetan sports in Europe and is expected to draw teams and supporters from across the community, both within and outside Europe. Further details about the tournament structure and participation guidelines will be announced in the coming months, TNSA stated.
