S Gopal Puri
Dharamshala: Football fever found an unlikely venue this weekend as the first floor of Tokyi Café in McLeodganj transformed into a buzzing indoor stadium, bringing together 14 teams from Tibetan, Nepali, and Indian communities – with a few foreign nationals adding an international flair.
The tournament, now in its third edition, was organised by Sagarmatha Football Club, a community-led initiative that has steadily grown since its inception in 2023.
The concept is to bring football lovers under one roof – literally – and make the sport a bridge between cultures in Dharamshala’s unique multiethnic setting.
A Global Trend with a Local Twist
Indoor football stadiums became popular in North America in the 1990s, where weather-proof arenas allowed games year-round regardless of climate. Tokyi Café’s first-floor pitch captures that same spirit. “Here, there’s no obstacle of rain, snow, or extreme sun – the game can go on day and night,” said Norsang Sherpa, one of the event’s coordinators.
Community at the Core
Among the driving forces behind the tournament is Amrit Lama (33), who runs a Thangka painting gallery in McLeodganj. “Our dream was to do something for football lovers, and in 2023 we just decided to make it happen,” he said, watching a high-energy match unfold.
For Pasang Wabiea, another volunteer, the event is proof that big dreams can be achieved without big budgets. “This is entirely a community effort, with no government support. Everyone chips in – players, café owners, and local volunteers.”
Diversity on the Field
The mix of teams included local Indian youth, Tibetan monks, Nepali migrants, and visitors from abroad. The sight of monks darting past defenders drew cheers from the crowd. Football has long been more popular than cricket among Tibetans in exile, making it a natural cultural meeting point.
A Volunteer Spirit
Rohit Kapoor (32), who works in the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department, spent his day helping with team coordination. “We all live our love for football here,” he said. “This isn’t just sport – it’s friendship, it’s community, it’s Dharamshala at its best.”
As the final whistle blew, the atmosphere felt less like a competition and more like a celebration. For those who took part – players and spectators alike – Tokyi Café’s rooftop tournament wasn’t just a game; it was a reminder that sport, in any space, can dissolve borders.
