Tibet - Miscellaneous Information

The British military introduced football to Tibet. The first matches were played in the 1910s, mainly featuring British and Indian soldiers. By 1920 football a number of football teams existed, including Lhasa United, Potala Palace, Tashi, Delhapuchu, Drapchi and the Bodyguard Regiment.
Football also was popular in 1923 at the short-lived Gynatse English School and again after 1936, when the British Mission (popularly called Dekyilingka) started matches in Lhasa between its staff and Lhasa residents (several of them Tibetan government officials). The Lhasans ware called Lhasa United and the British staff Mission Marmots. Ultimately, the competition included 14 teams and continued playing until 1944, when football was banned.
In 1952 football reemerged at the Cadre School, mainly played by aristocratic youngsters, but gradually evolving into a sport for the general public.
Currently, the Lhasa Football League One (16 clubs in 2 groups) serves as one (of many) fourth tier leagues in China.

See also the Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial Gold Cup (held in India since 1981).

1936

Friendly [Oct 13?]
Lhasa United           0-1 Mission Marmots  

NB: a 7-a-side tournament started Nov 9, in which the Mission Marmots did not concede
    any goals; however, the football season suddenly ended after the goal posts had
    been stolen to serve as firewood.

1971

A first ever edition of a Tibetan University Football League was held in the week from
May 31 to Jun 6.

See also the Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial Gold Cup (held in India since 1981).

About this document

Sources: http://www.vtibet.com/en/news_1746/focus/201508/t20150807_324881.html, Before the 'D', Goldstein, M. C.: A history of modern Tibet. Vol. 2, 2007.

Prepared and maintained by Hans Schöggl for the Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation

Author: Hans Schöggl
Last updated: 9 Mar 2017