15/06/2025
2nd APFA International Veterans Football Tournament 2025 Kicks Off in Gangtok !!!
Gangtok, June 15:
The 2nd APFA International Veterans Football Tournament 2025 began today with a grand opening ceremony at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok. Organized by the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (RTYC), the event marks the 90th Birth Anniversary of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and the Golden Jubilee of Sikkim’s Statehood.
Hon’ble Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Shri Raju Basnet, ( Raju Human ) graced the occasion as Chief Guest, alongside Guest of Honour Shri Delay Barfungpa Hon’ble MLA, Gangtok Constituency. GMC CounCouncillors and Other notable attendees included Shri Manela Bhutia, President of Sikkim Football Association, and Tibetan Association delegates.
The inauguration featured vibrant Tibetan cultural performances, followed by an inspiring address from Shri Raju Basnet, who praised the Tibetan community's unity and stressed the importance of fitness among veterans.
Twenty teams, including international squads from the USA, Nepal, and France, are participating. The opening matches saw Gangtok Red defeat Karnataka 3-0, Delhi secure a win in the second match, and Team USA emerge victorious in the final game of the day.
The tournament will continue until June 30, celebrating sportsmanship, cultural unity, and active aging.