AALO : The 9th State Level Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy (HDMT) 2026 witnessed high-voltage action on Day 8 at Aalo, with football semi-finals and volleyball quarter-finals producing thrilling contests and finalising the finalists across categories.
In the boys’ football category, Papum Pare entered the final after registering a convincing 2-0 victory over Siang in the first semi-final. Tai Raju opened the scoring in the 36th minute before Nabam Kasa sealed the win with a decisive strike in the 59th minute.
The second semi-final between Keyi Panyor and Lower Siang turned into a tense battle as both teams failed to break the deadlock during regulation time. Lower Siang eventually prevailed 6-5 in the penalty shootout to secure a place in the final.
Papum Pare will now face Lower Siang in the championship clash on May 25.
In the girls’ football semi-finals, Namsai edged past Papum Pare 1-0, courtesy of an 11th-minute strike by Osi Pegu. East Kameng also registered a narrow 1-0 victory over Shi Yomi in the other semi-final, with Naya Bagang scoring the match-winning goal in the 12th minute.
The girls’ football final will now see Namsai take on East Kameng for the title.
Meanwhile, the volleyball quarter-finals held at Siyom Army Ground witnessed several closely contested matches in both boys’ and girls’ categories.
In the girls’ quarter-finals, Capital Complex defeated Bichom in straight sets 27-25 and 25-20, while Kurung Kumey overcame Papum Pare in a hard-fought three-set encounter 23-25, 25-13 and 15-9. Keyi Panyor advanced after defeating Lohit 25-17 and 25-18, while East Kameng beat Lepa Rada 25-16 and 25-14.
In the boys’ category, Lower Siang registered a straight-set victory over West Kameng by 25-17 and 25-16. Upper Subansiri edged past Papum Pare in a thrilling three-set match 16-25, 25-21 and 15-13. Kurung Kumey defeated Longding 25-17 and 25-19, while East Kameng overcame Anjaw 25-22 and 25-20 to book their semi-final berth.
The volleyball semi-finals for both boys’ and girls’ categories will be played on Saturday from 1:30 pm onwards at Siyom Army Ground.
In the girls’ semi-finals, Capital Complex will face Kurung Kumey, while Keyi Panyor will take on East Kameng. In the boys’ semi-finals, Lower Siang will clash with Upper Subansiri, while Kurung Kumey will meet East Kameng for a place in the final.
