Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, April 17: DYSA Mundgod cemented their legacy in exile Tibetan football history on Thursday, securing a narrow 1–0 victory over Shawa FC in the final of the 31st Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial Gold Cup (GCMGC) held in Kollegal, South India.
The decisive moment came in the second period of extra time, when Karma Lhundup Sherap found the back of the net to seal the championship for DYSA Mundgod. This hard-fought win marks their third consecutive GCMGC title, following their triumph in Dharamshala last year. With this victory, DYSA Mundgod now holds a record seven GCMGC titles, surpassing Dhondupling FC, with whom they were previously tied at six.
Individual accolades at this year’s tournament highlighted standout performances across teams. Karma Lhundup Sherap of DYSA Mundgod was named Best Player, while Tenzin Woeden of Shawa FC claimed the Top Scorer award. Lhasa FC’s goalkeeper, Tenzin Ngawang, was honoured as Best Goalkeeper.
The tournament, held from April 5 to 16 at Dhondenling Tibetan Settlement in Kollegal, Karnataka, featured 12 teams representing Tibetan settlements across India. Participating teams included DYSA Mundgod, Tashi Dekyi Lhartso (TDL) Bylakuppe, Dhondenling FC Kollegal, Phuntsokling United Sports Club, Hunsur Rabgyaling FC, Choepheling FC, Dhondupling FC, Dekyiling Sports Club, Gulladhalla Youth Association, Samyelling FC, Lhasa FC, and Shawa FC.
Speaking to Phayul, Tibetan National Sports Association (TNSA) Director Jangchup Gyaltsen expressed satisfaction at the successful conclusion of the tournament. “We have worked diligently to ensure the smooth conduct of this tournament, and we are pleased with its success,” he said. However, he noted a decline in team participation this year, attributing it partly to Kollegal’s remote location. He stressed the importance of broader participation regardless of venue, stressing that such tournaments play a vital role in fostering unity among Tibetan settlements.
He also confirmed that the 32nd edition of the GCMGC will be hosted in Sonamling Tibetan Settlement in Ladakh, in keeping with the tournament’s tradition of rotating venues between South and North India.
Established in 1980, with its inaugural edition held in 1981, the Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial Gold Cup was founded in honour of Diki Tsering, the mother of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Over the decades, the tournament has evolved into a significant sporting event, symbolising resilience, unity, and excellence within the Tibetan diaspora.
