In Gajapati’s Chandragiri, a region known for its Tibetan settlers, a 10-day cricket tournament recently wrapped up, highlighting the growing enthusiasm for the sport among the younger Tibetan generation in exile. The event, reported by the Times of India, was organized by the Tibetan settlement office and named in honor of Kaling Veer Biju Patnaik, a former chief minister who played a significant role in allowing Tibetans to settle in the district.
Khenpo Pema Tenphell, the chief administrator of the Chandragiri Tibetan settlement, shared, “We decided to hold a 10-day cricket tournament for the first time in the name of Kaling Veer Biju Patnaik.” He expressed satisfaction with the event’s success, noting the participation of 12 teams, including one composed entirely of Tibetans.
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The tournament concluded with a ceremony where the winning team was awarded a cash prize of Rs 20,000 along with a trophy. The brief function celebrated not only the sport but also the spirit of community and cooperation it fosters among the participants and spectators.
Reflecting on the broader impact of such events, Khenpo emphasized that initiatives like this cricket tournament are aimed at strengthening the bonds between the local people and the Tibetan refugees in the area. This aligns with the guidance of the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet, who has advised Tibetans in exile to maintain cordial relationships with locals.
Looking ahead, Khenpo mentioned plans to expand the tournament in coming years by inviting more teams to participate, which he hopes will further enhance community relations and promote the sport among the Tibetans in exile.
This tournament not only showcases the integration of the Tibetan community into local Indian culture but also serves as a bridge for better understanding and mutual respect between the Tibetans and their Indian neighbors in Gajapati.
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