By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, Dec. 20: Just about the only sports event where local Indians and Tibetans in Dharamshala have shared a consistent stage, an annual cricket tournament, the ‘Lhasa Cup’ is underway at Upper TCV ground with only one Tibetan team for this year’s edition.
The organizers of the annual tournament have been managing the sports event since a last few years where cricket as a sport as well as a community bonding event has been the emphasis. One of the two organizers, Sanjay Nehria, a shop keeper and cricket enthusiast from Bhagsu Nath told Phayul, “The tournament is aimed to promote cricket in the area with local teams from various parts of Dharamshala participating in the tournament, many of them with some district level players.
“We also feel that youths can direct their interest in sports rather than alcoholism or substance abuse through the initiative. We also seek to promote friendship among the various communities here. We have a Tibetan team in the tournament, we also have a Kashmiri team.”
Omkar Singh, one of the organizers, said he has received support from the concerned authorities at Upper TCV School over the years. He said, “The Principal here has not only given us permission to play here, we have been provided with electricity as well as other facilities to make the proceedings possible. We are grateful for the help and we hope to continue the initiative in the future.”
Tenzin Rikten who played in the only Tibetan team told Phayul, “Cricket is relatively not the most popular game in the Tibetan community yet the tournament is a good platform for us to integrate with locals and build a rapport. I have been participating in the tournament over the years and have noticed great deal of improvement and talent in the Indian players.”
The 16 teams are participating this year in the knock-out tournament of 15 overs an inning. Only one Tibetan team – TCV Staff XI lost to Smart XI from Bhagsu in the inaugural game. Teams from Bhagsu, Gamru, Stowari, Gallu, Dharamkot, among others, are taking part. The reigning Champion Mcllo XI will fight of competitors for this year’s title.
