New York, September 2: The Team Tibet FC New York beat the defending champions of the Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial Gold Cup North America/Europe by 3 goals to nil in a thrilling final of the tournament that was started two years ago by the Tibetan National Sports Association to provide a footballing platform for Tibetan youth in west.
Around 1600 Tibetans watched the two semi final games and the final on Sunday at the Michael J Tully Park stadium. Cholsum FC Toronto won against Snow Lion FC New York in the first semi final while Team Tibet New York beat FC Kathmandu FC New York in the other semi final game.
The seventeenth Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorjee graced the final game as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, the young head of Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism expressed joy at being able to participate in an event dedicated to the memory of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s great mother, lauding the organizers for their hard work in holding an event to pay gratitude to His Holiness’ great mother.
The 33 year old Buddhist leader said that the Tibetan community is a small one, and disruption in its unity is a concern for many. He added that one should not engage in actions that further harm the unity among the Tibetans.
The sporting rivalry between Team Tibet FC New York and Cholsum FC Toronto dates back to 2016 when the former lost on penalties in the final of the first edition of the tournament. Earlier this year in July, Cholsum FC Toronto beat Team Tibet New York again on penalties to lift the Dalai Lama Cup organized by the RTYC New York and New Jersey.
The best player of the tournament was awarded to Tenzin Yonten of Tibet Tibet FC. Yonten was also awarded the golden boot for the most number of goals scored by a player.
