Dharamshala — Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) organised an all-India 'Tibetan Martyrs Memorial Basketball Tournament' on Thursday with an aim to raise awareness about the contributions made by the Tibetan martyrs, instil a sense of patriotism and nationalism in the young participants, promote strong bonding between the Tibetan youths and TYC, and engage them in Tibetan cause related activities.
Tibetan Youth Congress organised a The All India ‘Tibetan Martyrs Memorial Basketball Tournament,’ at Gangkyi Basketball ground, Dharamshala, HP, India, from April 25th to April 29th, 2024. The opening ceremony held on the morning of April 25, 2024 at Gangkyi ground. A total of 12 men's basketball teams from all over India and 4 women's basketball teams from Dharamshala participated in the basketball tournament.
They also celebrated the 35th birthday of the 11th Panchen Lama of Tibet by cutting the cake and called on China to release him and his parents and teacher.
In his opening remarks, TYC Secretary Sonam Tsering said: '' The Tibetan Youth Congress Centrex and the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress Dharamshala extend our prayers for the long life of His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama. We also express our heartfelt solidarity and gratitude to all Tibetan martyrs, both inside and outside Tibet, who valiantly sacrificed their lives for the greater cause of Tibet. Additionally, we extend warm greetings to all Tibetans from the three traditional regions of Tibet."
"Today marks 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 10th Panchen Lama was known for his vocal advocacy for the preservation and promotion of the Tibetan language. Shortly after His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama recognized the 11th Panchen Lama, at the age of six he was unlawfully detained, making him the youngest political prisoner in the world. We demand the immediate release of the 11th Panchen Rinpoche and all other political prisoners without any preconditions by the Chinese Communist regime. Furthermore, we call upon the international community to continue exerting pressure on the Chinese Communist regime to ensure the safe enthronement of the 11th Panchen Lama to the rightful holy Tashi Lhunpo seat," he added.
"Numerous Tibetans have bravely risen against the illegal occupation by China, sacrificing their lives for the cause of Tibet. In 1998, in conjunction with the 10th March, the Tibetan Youth Congress organized a hunger strike unto death in New Delhi with three demands. Among the participants in the second batch was Pawo Thupten Ngoedup la, who self-immolated, becoming the first Tibetan to do so. On the 29th of March, Pawo Thupten Ngoedup la passed away, and since then, the Tibetan Youth Congress observes this day annually as Martyrs' Day, organizing various activities by the Tibetan Youth Congress," the secretary explained.
"The RTYC Dharamshala has been organising a basketball tournament in the past, marking the 21st tournament this year and hosting the first all-India tournament with three aims and objectives. Firstly, to raise awareness about the contributions made by Tibetan martyrs and to instil a sense of patriotism and nationalism among the youth participants. Secondly, to foster closer engagement of Tibetan youth with the Tibetan Youth Congress and involve them in activities related to the Tibetan cause. Thirdly, to promote and preserve unity and integrity among Tibetans," the statement of TYC said.
