Jul 17, 2006

Tibet: Team Tibet to Play in All Nations Cup


For the first time ever, Tibet will be represented at a North American Soccer tournament. Team Tibet is one of the 37 nations competing in the All Nations Cup Qualifiers Festival Weekend from July 14 16
For the first time ever, Tibet will be represented at a North American Soccer tournament. Team Tibet is one of the 37 nations competing in the All Nations Cup Qualifiers Festival Weekend from July 14 16. Team Tibet is comprised of 21 exile Tibetans, most of whom were born and raised in India or Nepal or had fled into exile in their youth.
For us Tibetans, being able to play in the All Nations Cup under our national flag makes us very proud, said Rinzin Sangpo, Team Tibets coach. Ever since we started our team, we have dreamed of an opportunity like this.
The renowned Tibetan artists Tsering Wangmo, Tsering D. Bawa and Sonam Tashi will showcase traditional Tibetan music and dance during the cultural performances organized as part of the All Nations Cup. In the qualifying matches, Team Tibet will play against Japan, Korea and Nepal.

I dont mind playing against Nepal, because all of the games here will be conducted in a spirit of friendship, said Phuntsok Chuteng, Team Tibets captain and eldest player. I am a Kathmandu native, and the nation of Nepal has been very generous to us Tibetan exiles. I am very happy that we will be playing with our brothers from Nepal.

Tenzin Dhongthok, Team Tibet manager, said: The motto of the All Nations Cup is One Passion, One World. Although our country is under Chinese occupation right now and our people in Tibet dont enjoy basic freedoms, we Tibetans believe that all beings in this world are connected to one another and can help each other through generosity and compassion. The motto of the Cup appeals to us greatly.