AALO :  The 9th edition of the State-Level Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy concluded successfully at the Aalo Football Ground in West Siang district on Sunday, bringing to a close days of intense sporting competition involving athletes from across Arunachal Pradesh.

The closing ceremony was attended by 5 Infantry Brigade Commander Brig Ritesh Katoch as chief guest. Among others present were 47-Namsai MLA and Advisor to Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Chau Zingnu Namchoom, Sports & Youth Affairs Secretary Akshat Kaushal, Sports Authority of Arunachal Chairman John Neelam, former ministers Doi Ado and Kento Ete, Indian Army officer Colonel Karan Kochar, and India U-23 National Football Team goalkeeping coach Gumpe Rime. Officials from the Department of Sports and the West Siang district administration also attended the event.

The tournament concluded with finals in football and volleyball categories.

In the girls’ football final, East Kameng defeated Namsai 3-1 to lift the title. Sonia Rangmo scored twice for East Kameng in the 6th and 56th minutes, while Mema Keno added another goal in the 26th minute. Osi Pegu scored the lone goal for Namsai in the 34th minute. East Kameng received a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh along with trophies, medals and certificates, while runners-up Namsai received Rs 1 lakh. Shi Yomi’s Yanyang Samyor was adjudged the best player and awarded Rs 15,000.

In the girls’ volleyball final, Capital Complex defeated Keyi Panyor in a closely fought three-set match with scores of 25-22, 20-25 and 15-9. Capital Complex received Rs 1 lakh as prize money, while Keyi Panyor received Rs 75,000. Teresa Yangfo of Capital Complex was named the best player and awarded Rs 15,000.

Kurung Kumey emerged champions in the boys’ volleyball final after defeating Upper Subansiri 25-22, 22-25 and 15-10. The winning team received Rs 1 lakh, while runners-up Upper Subansiri received Rs 75,000. Upper Subansiri’s Popmar Bulo was adjudged the best player and awarded Rs 15,000.

The boys’ football final witnessed a thrilling contest, with the match ending 1-1 in regulation time before Papum Pare edged past their opponents 4-3 in the penalty shootout to clinch the title. Papum Pare received Rs 2 lakh along with trophies, medals and certificates, while the runners-up received Rs 1 lakh. Tai Raju of Papum Pare was declared the best player and awarded Rs 15,000.

The programme concluded with the felicitation of district sports officers and technical officials for their contributions towards the successful conduct of the tournament.

The tournament once again highlighted the sporting talent and competitive spirit of Arunachal Pradesh’s youth while commemorating the legacy and sacrifice of Ashok Chakra awardee Hangpan Dada.