DHARAMSHALA, June 10: Doeguling Mundgod FC have won the 21st Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial football tournament, the biggest sporting event of the Tibetan exiles, in a neck and neck contest witnessed by over 4000 people at the TCV football ground today.
The first half remained goalless as both teams tried to create chances for themselves. The second half became a lot more interesting as Mundgod converted a controversial freekick awarded to them by the referee for a foul. The consequent freekick right at the edge of the box was brilliantly placed at the left corner of the goal while the wall expected a curler. The ground filled with loud cheers from Mundgod supporters.
Pokhara needed one goal to come back into the game but could not find the right move to score. Despite several freekicks awarded to Pokhara, Norbu Dorjee, known for his freekicks failed to capitalize.
Mundgod then extended their lead to 2 goals through a soft volley into the net. Pokhara fans were still hopeful of a last minute turnaround. But with the ticking clock, Pokhara FC players looked nervous to get the equalizer. And it did pay off through a beautiful header from the tournament’s top scorer Pema Lhundup. However, it was too little, too late, for the defending champions to come back into the game. As the referee blew the final whistle, supporters swarmed onto the field to congratulate the players.
The Tibetan PM Lobsang Sangay graced the game as the chief guest. Sangay said it is important to play all sorts of sports to remain healthy and for a healthy community. Sangay said his administration encourages the youth and children to engage in all kinds of sports and that his administration shall provide financial support in facilitating it.
Sangay also lauded the sportsmanship of the players and also the spectators for maintaining peace and friendship during the games. He said sports bring people together and thus brings unity.
The winner takes home a cash prize of One lakh Rupees and the runners up wins seventy thousand Rupees.
The Tibetan National Sports Association, which organizes the tournament, announced that the next GCM will be held in Doeguliing Tibetan Settlement, Mundgod. Doeguling Youth Sports Association, a group to promote sports among youth in Mundgod, will assist the organizers in preparation of the tournament in memory of the late mother of the Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
