TAWANG : The 33rd Merag Lama Lodroe Gyatso Independence Cup Football Tournament got underway on Saturday at the Gyalwa Tsangyang Gyatso High Altitude Sports Stadium, bringing together football enthusiasts from across Tawang in a celebration of sportsmanship, youth engagement and community spirit.
Organised by the Tawang District Football Association (TDFA) in collaboration with the Tawang District Sports Association (TDSA), with support from the district administration and the Tawang Brigade of the Indian Army, the tournament features 14 men’s teams and seven women’s teams.
Zila Parishad Chairperson Leki Gombu inaugurated the tournament in the presence of Tawang Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo as the guest of honour. Among those present were Zila Parishad Member Kyidphel Tenzin Monpa, Lungla Additional Deputy Commissioner Tashi Dhondup, Assistant Commissioners Nawang Thutan and Sange Norbu, Deputy Superintendent of Police Togum Gonggo, heads of departments, public leaders and sports enthusiasts.
Addressing the gathering, Gombu recalled the tournament’s humble beginnings when matches were played on uneven, muddy grounds and acknowledged the significant improvement in sports infrastructure over the years. He credited Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu for promoting sports and creating opportunities for young athletes across the state.
He also lauded the organisers for sustaining the tournament over the decades and urged participating teams to uphold discipline, mutual respect and the spirit of fair play. Appealing to spectators, he called on them to support the district’s cleanliness campaign by avoiding littering and contributing towards the vision of a plastic-free Tawang.
The inaugural ceremony also featured a tribute to late Dr Nawang Tomden, whose vision and dedication laid the foundation of the Merag Lama Lodroe Gyatso Independence Cup and left a lasting legacy in Tawang’s sporting history.
In the opening match, Monyul FC made an impressive start, scoring within 38 seconds of kick-off before cruising to a commanding 5-1 victory over Yuipa FC.
Widely regarded as one of Tawang’s premier sporting events, the annual tournament continues to provide a platform for nurturing football talent while promoting unity and healthy competition among the district’s youth. (DIPR)
