All India- Martyrs Memorial Basketball Tournament
In 1998, in conjunction with the 10th March, the Tibetan Youth Congress organized a unto death hunger strike in New Delhi with three demands. Among the participants in the second batch was Pawo Thupten Ngodup la, who self-immolated, becoming the first Tibetan to do so. On the 29th of March, Pawo Thupten Ngodup la passed away, and since then, the Tibetan Youth Congress observes this day annually as Martyrs’ Day, organizing various activities.
The RTYC Dharamshala has organized a basketball tournament for many years, and this year marked the 21st edition, which was also the first all-India tournament. The event had three primary aims:
- To raise awareness about the contributions made by Tibetan martyrs and instill a sense of patriotism and nationalism among the youth participants.
- To foster closer engagement of Tibetan youth with the Tibetan Youth Congress and involve them in activities related to the Tibetan cause.
- To promote and preserve unity and integrity among Tibetans.
The organizing committee arranged accommodations for the participating teams in the Tibetan Children’s Village, Lower Dharamshala. On the afternoon of April 24, a meeting was held with the players, where TYC General Secretary Mr. Sonam Tsering welcomed them and discussed the tournament’s objectives and the significance of TYC activities in the exile community, followed by team introduction by the respective team captains. RTYC Dharamshala President Jampa Tendar briefed the players on the rules and regulations, and team shuffling was led by Mr. Gawa, the sports secretary of RTYC Dharamshala.
The tournament began on April 25, coinciding with the 35th birth anniversary of the 11th Panchen Lama, Jetsun Tenzin Gedhun Yeshi Thinley Phuntsok Pal Sangpo, the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama. The opening ceremony featured TYC Vice President Mr. Tashi Targyal la as the chief guest, alongside Mr. Karma Sichoe la and Mr. Yungdung la, participants of the 1998 TYC hunger strike. Mr. Sonam Tsering la highlighted the tournament’s aims, and Mr. Tashi Targyal la spoke about the importance of youth participation in the movement and the critical situation inside Tibet. After which, the participants from different parts of India were presented with traditional Tibetan scarves.
RTYC Dharamshala Secretary Mr. Tenzin Lobsang la read a Tibetan statement, and RTYC member Tenzin Choekyi hosted the ceremony. The event included a cake-cutting ceremony to mark the 11th Panchen Lama’s birthday and a minute of silence to honor Tibetan martyrs.
For the first time in exile basketball history, live streaming was provided from the quarter-finals onward, allowing interested viewers worldwide to follow the tournament. The final match was scheduled for April 29, Martyrs’ Day, but was postponed due to heavy rain in Dharamshala.
The final match was held on April 30. The Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile, Khenpo Sonam Tenphel la, attended as the chief guest, with TYC Vice President Mr. Tashi Targyal la as the special guest. Amongst the guest standing committee members of the Tibetan Parliament, TYC former centrex members and the representatives of the other organizations were present. The chief guest and the guest of honour addressed the gathering by emphasizing on the needs of unity and youth participation in the freedom movement. The Gangkyi basketball ground was filled with spectators in huge number and the final match was between the Red Devils and the Dharamshala Thuboe team, while the girls’ match featured the Munsel Team against the Sarah Team. The Munsel Team and the Red Devils emerged victorious.
The chief guest and the guest of honor presented trophies and prizes to the winners and mementos to the officials. The event was a huge success, with participation from various regions, including North-East, South, North, and Central India. A representative team from the Tibetan Transit School, newly arrived from Tibet, made a memorable appearance in traditional Tibetan dress (Chupa) at the opening ceremony.