DYSA Mundgod Win Historic Third Straight GCM Gold Cup
By Tenzin Chokyi
DHARAMSALA, 17 April: The first side to accomplish the hat-trick of titles, DYSA Mundgod made history by winning its third straight Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial Gold Cup (GCM) at the 2026 edition. DYSA defeated Lhasa FC 1–0 in the final of the Tibetan football tournament.
The final remained goalless through regular time before Karma Sherap’s extra-time strike decided the match. Sherap’s goal secured Mundgod not just the third consecutive title in the tournament, but also made DYSA the most decorated side in the history of the coveted sporting event of the exiled Tibetans. With this victory, they now have seven GCM titles, surpassing Dhondupling FC, who were earlier tied with them with six trophies each.
Image: Facebook.
Image: Facebook.
Sherap was also named the Best Player of the tournament for the second consecutive year. Tenzin Yonten of Shawa FC finished as the Top Scorer, while Tenzin Ngawang of Lhasa FC was awarded Best Goalkeeper.
The tournament was held from April 5 to 16 at Dhondenling Tibetan settlement Kollegal, with 12 teams representing Tibetan settlements across India. Participating teams included DYSA Mundgod, Tashi Dekyi Lhartso (TDL) Bylakuppe, Dhondenling FC Kollegal, Phuntsokling United Sports Club, Hunsur Rabgyaling FC, Choepheling FC, Dhondupling FC, Dekyiling Sports Club, Gulladhalla Youth Association, Samyelling FC, Lhasa FC, and Shawa FC.
Jangchub Gyaltsen, President of the Tibetan National Sports Association, said the tournament is organized on a rotational basis among settlements in South India, North India, and Dharamshala. He confirmed that the 32nd edition will be held at Sonamling Tibetan Settlement in Ladakh.
He noted that fewer teams participated this year due to travel difficulties and stressed the importance of broader participation regardless of location to strengthen unity among settlements and teams.
Founded in 1981, the GCM Gold Cup tournament is played annually in the memory of the great mother of His Holiness the Dalai Lama – Diki Tsering.
Initiated by Mr Joe Tsering, former Chief Accountant of TCV, the Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial Gold Cup has grown into a major annual event promoting sportsmanship, unity, and cultural identity among Tibetans in exile.
Though the tournament was organised by various bodies for more than twenty years, the Tibetan National Sports Association (TNSA) took charge of organizing the tournament annually since 2003.
Based on performance in the GCM tournament, TNSA selects players for the Tibetan National Team, which occasionally competes in tournaments held in India as well as in foreign countries.
DYSA Mundgod Win Historic Third Straight GCM Gold Cup
DHARAMSALA, 17 April: The first side to accomplish the hat-trick of titles, DYSA Mundgod made history by winning its third straight Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial Gold Cup (GCM) at the 2026 edition. DYSA defeated Lhasa FC 1–0 in the final of the Tibetan football tournament held at Kollegal Tibetan Settlement.
The final remained goalless through regular time before Karma Sherap’s extra-time strike decided the match. Sherap’s strike secured Mundgod not just the third consecutive title in the tournament, but also made DYSA the most decorated side in the history of the coveted sporting event of the exiled Tibetans.
With this victory, they now have seven GCM titles, surpassing Dhondupling FC, who were earlier tied with them with six trophies each.
Sherap was also named the Best Player of the tournament for the second consecutive year. Tenzin Yonten of Shawa FC finished as the Top Scorer, while Tenzin Ngawang of Lhasa FC was awarded Best Goalkeeper.
The tournament was held from April 5 to 16 at Dhondenling, Kollegal, with 12 teams representing Tibetan settlements across India. Participating teams included DYSA Mundgod, Tashi Dekyi Lhartso (TDL) Bylakuppe, Dhondenling FC Kollegal, Phuntsokling United Sports Club, Hunsur Rabgyaling FC, Choepheling FC, Dhondupling FC, Dekyiling Sports Club, Gulladhalla Youth Association, Samyelling FC, Lhasa FC, and Shawa FC.
Jangchub Gyaltsen, President of the Tibetan National Sports Association, said the tournament is organized on a rotational basis among settlements in South India, North India, and Dharamshala. He confirmed that the 32nd edition will be held at Sonamling Tibetan Settlement in Ladakh.
He noted that fewer teams participated this year due to travel difficulties and stressed the importance of broader participation regardless of location to strengthen unity among settlements and teams.
Founded in 1981, the GCM Gold Cup tournament is played annually in the memory of the great mother of His Holiness the Dalai Lama – Diki Tsering. Initiated by Mr Joe Tsering, former Chief Accountant of TCV, the GCM has grown into a major annual event promoting sportsmanship, unity, and cultural identity among Tibetans in exile.
Though the tournament was organised by various bodies for more than twenty years, the Tibetan National Sports Association (TNSA) took charge of organizing the tournament annually since 2003.
Based on performance in the GCM tournament, TNSA selects players for the Tibetan National Team, which occasionally competes in tournaments held in India as well as in foreign countries.
