Dharamshala — The 30th Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial Gold Cup kicked off on June 1, 2025 at the TCV ground in Dharamshala, with the participation of 16 Tibetan teams from Nepal and India.
Tibetan National Sport Association (TNSA) held an open ceremony of the 30th Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial Gold Cup on June 1, 2025 at the TCV football ground in Dharamshala, HP, India. Minister of Security Department and officiating Sikyong Dolma Gyari attended the ceremony as Chief guest and Yeshe Dolma, Chief Justice Commissioner of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission (TSJC) as special guest. Other guests included members of standing committee of Tibetan Parliament-in-exile and officials of Central Tibetan Administration.
The 30th Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial (GCM) Gold Cup is organised by the Tibetan National Sports Association (TNSA). 16 Tibetan teams from Nepal and India took part in the GCM tournament, including DYSA Mungod, Paonta Cholsum FC, Hunsur Rabgyaling, Dhondupling FC, Dhasa United FC, Tashiling Potala, T.C.B united, Samyeling FC, GYA,Gulladhala FC, TDL Sport Club, Tezu Dhargyaling, Choepheling FC, Kollegal FC, Kathmandu Kings, TCV United and Shimla United. It is scheduled to play from June 1 to 11, 2025.
The GCM Gold Cup is an annual football tournament organised by the Tibetan diaspora since 1981, to honour the great mother of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The tournament's name, "Gyalyum Chenmo", means "the great mother" in Tibetan, reflecting the community's sentiment towards her.
The first tournament was held in October 1981, following the passing away of the great mother of His Holiness the Dalai Lamar in January of that year. Mr Joe Tsering, then TCV Chief Accountant, was the standard-bearer for this initiative.
The GCM Gold Cup is not only a platform for exciting soccer matches, it is also an event that unites all Tibetans in exile. The tournament plays a vital role in bringing together young Tibetans from Tibetan settlements all over India and the world, creating a bond between them and giving them the opportunity to celebrate their heritage in unison!
The aims and objectives of the National Tibetan Sports Association are to promote the game of football within the Tibetan community and to promote Tibetan football internationally, to promote the professionalism and careers of Tibetan footballers, and to raise public awareness of the Tibetan cause and issues.
