AALO : The 9th edition of the State-Level Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy Football and Volleyball Tournament for Under-16 boys and girls commenced at Aalo Stadium in West Siang district on Friday.
Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Kento Jini inaugurated the tournament in the presence of Aalo West MLA Topin Ete, Chasen Lowang Dada, wife of late Havildar Hangpan Dada, Sports and Youth Affairs Special Secretary Akshat Kaushal, West Siang SP Kardak Riba, Zilla Parishad Chairperson Nyali Bagra, Brigadier Ritesh Katoch, officials of the Sports and Youth Affairs Department and the district administration.
More than 1,500 participants, including players, coaches, technical officials and District Sports Officers from 28 districts, including the Itanagar Capital Region, are participating in the tournament.
Organised annually as a flagship programme of the Arunachal Pradesh government, the tournament commemorates Ashoka Chakra awardee late Havildar Hangpan Dada of Borduria village in Tirap district. His sacrifice and dedication to the nation continue to inspire youths across the state.
Addressing the gathering, Jini highlighted the role of sports in promoting discipline, character-building and career opportunities for young athletes. He also spoke about the state government’s initiatives for sports promotion, including job reservations and cash incentives for outstanding sportspersons.
The opening boys’ football match between host West Siang and Shi Yomi ended in a 1-1 draw.
In girls’ football, Longding and Kra Daadi played out a 1-1 draw, while Upper Subansiri defeated Changlang 2-1, Namsai edged past Siang 2-1 and West Kameng thrashed Pakke Kessang 8-0.
In boys’ football, Siang defeated East Siang 3-0, while Longding registered a 3-0 win over Dibang Valley.
The volleyball events will commence on Saturday. The tournament will continue till May 25 across four venues in Aalo.
Fixtures for May 17 include football matches in both boys’ and girls’ categories at ITBP Ground, Main Ground, Darka Ground, Pakam Ground and APPBn Ground, while volleyball matches will be played at the Army Ground.
The tournament is expected to promote sportsmanship, unity and youth development while providing a competitive platform for young athletes from across the state. (DIPR)
