TYC marks 46th founding day with grand finale of “Martyrs Memorial Basketball Tournament”

DHARAMSALA, Oct 8: Tibetan Youth Congress, the largest non-governmental Tibetan organization in exile, marked its 46th founding anniversary on Oct 7 by hosting the grand finale of “Martyrs Memorial Basketball Tournament” at the basketball court located near the headquarters of Central Tibetan Administration at Gangchen Kyishong.

The tournament comprising of matches in both men’s and women’s category was jointly organized by the Dharamsala chapter of Tibetan Youth Congress (RTYC-Dharamsala) and Women’s Empowerment Desk of Central Tibetan Administration’s Department of Home to express solidarity with the Tibetan martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the Tibetan people and raise awareness on importance of good health among exiled Tibetans.

Hundreds of Tibetans and supporters gathered at the basketball court to express their support and watch the event unfold at 1 pm in the afternoon on a sunny Wednesday.

Before the first whistle of the final matches of the tournament was blown, a minute’s silence was observed to honor the Tibetan martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for Tibet. It was followed by brief public addresses by Chief Guest Karma Yeshi, former executive member of the TYC and current member of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile, Tenzin Lamsang, General Secretary of TYC-Centrex, Wangdhen Kyab, President of RTYC-Dharamsala and Dechen Wangmo, Coordinator of CTA’s Women’s Empowerment Desk. They highlighted the significance of TYC as an organization in the Tibetan struggle for freedom and contributions it has made since its humble beginnings, aims and objectives of holding the annual event, empowerment of Tibetan women and expressed solidarity with the executive members of TYC who have been sitting on hunger strike for the past 28 days in New Delhi to urge United Nations to raise the issue of Tibet.

Team from Men-Tse-Khang (Tibetan Medical and Astrological Institute) beat their opponent team from College for Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarah to win the tournament in women’s category and Drokpa Team beat Dhasa Team in an exciting and tightly fought match in men’s category to win the tournament.

Twelve men’s team and six women’s team participated in the tournament held over Sep 20-Oct 7.