June 1 & 2 , 1999:

Tibetan Style Football
& the Arrival of His Holiness to Dharamsala

On June 1, about 3000+ Tibetans (laypeople & Monks) gathered at the Upper Tibetan Children's Village (a residential school) to attend the 1999 Gyayum Chemo Memorial Football Tournament. This tournament began in 1981, was temporarily discontinued in 1990, and reinstituted in 1997. The event is in memory and respect for His Holiness The Dalai Lama's deceased mother. "Gyayum Chemo" means the Great Mother.

Before the first match, all 25 teams gathered on the field to sing the Tibetan national anthem, recite the Words of Truth prayer, receive prayer scarfs (Katas), and hear speeches by Tibetan Government In-Exile Officials. The teams traveled from various locations in India and Nepal to participate in the Tournament. The final match of the Tournament takes place on June 12th.

Tibetan National Football Team

The first match featured an exhibition between the Tibetan National Team and the Dharamsala Team. The National Team was recently formed & even endorsed by the Tibetan Government In-Exile. This was the debut performance for the Nationals who appear in this photograph wearing traditional Tibetan Chupas.

Tibetan Football Fans

The fans gathered early to secure a good view, but more importantly a shady seat. Interestingly, most of the fans cheered the "underdog," the Dharamsala Team.

Distinguished Fans

A large group of School Administrators, Government Officials, and Religious Leaders attended the match. Jetsun Pema and Alak Jigme Rinpoche were among the most distinguished fans. Jetsun Pema-la is the President of the Tibetan Children's Village and a sister of His Holiness The Dalai Lama. She was also recently named as the manager of the Tibetan National Football Team. In fact, she will accompany the team on their upcoming European Tour. Alak Jigme Rinpoche is a Monk and the Auditor General in the Tibetan Government In-Exile. He is also a Tulku; a reincarnated Lama.

Tibetan National Football Player

Bright colored uniforms were worn by the Tibetan Nationals. The colors mirror the Tibetan National Flag. The Tibetan Nationals won the match by a score of 1 to 0.

The Dalai Lama Arrives in Dharamsala

On June 2, His Holiness The Dalai Lama returned to Dharamsala from Ladach where He had offered a Buddhist Teaching. Many Tibetans and tourists lined the streets leading to His Holiness' residence to welcome Him upon His return.