Mingkeng Osik
Biiyi Laryi Pangkeng Football Club clinched the Lt Tapak Jonnom Memorial Football Trophy for the third consecutive year, defeating Gumin Hoyin 5-3 in a penalty shootout at the Digong Tatak Regional Playground here.
The final of the third edition of the Lt Tapak Jonnom Memorial Football Trophy Tournament-2026 was held on September 3. The tournament was organised by the Solung Sports Committee, Rumgong, under the aegis of the District Football Association (DFA), Siang District, Boleng.
Biiyi Laryi Pangkeng FC received a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, while runners-up Gumin Hoyin were awarded Rs 70,000.
The tournament was organised in memory of Lt Tapak Jonnom, who was remembered during the closing ceremony for his contribution to education, guidance to students and enduring association with the people of Rumgong.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Arunachal Pradesh Director of Panchayati Raj Tajing Jonnom recalled the journey of the memorial tournament and said it had continued peacefully over the years, bringing people together while keeping the memory of Lt Tapak Jonnom alive. He expressed gratitude to sponsors, participants, Gaon Buras and community members for their continued support.
Tahung Jerang and Tabang Gao also recalled Lt Tapak Jonnom’s qualities and his contribution to students. Gao remembered how Jonnom encouraged students to pursue higher education outside the area and extended support to those facing financial and other difficulties. He said Jonnom’s teachings and guidance remained deeply cherished.
Siang District Medical Officer (DMO) Dr Jonny Darang highlighted the growing opportunities in sports and said talented youngsters could now build careers and livelihoods through sporting pursuits. He urged the DFA and other stakeholders to identify promising players and provide them opportunities to compete at higher levels so that talented athletes from the Adi community could represent Arunachal Pradesh on larger platforms.
The speakers also appreciated the organisers and sponsors for promoting unity, teamwork and sportsmanship through the tournament.
The continued support of Tomik Jamoh Jonnom who sponsored the memorial tournament for the third consecutive year was also acknowledged.
The closing ceremony was attended by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Engineer Hydro Power Along Ketan as Chief Guest; DMO BSiang District Dr Jonny Darang as Guest of Honour; and Sports Secretary SSCR-2026 Hujing Komut, Assistant Sports Secretary Takong Tatak, Sports Committee Chairman Tamer Komut and Siang District BJP President Tahyup Mize among other dignitaries and special invitees.
The tournament concluded with a renewed emphasis on remembrance, unity, sportsmanship and community participation, encouraging the younger generation to carry forward Lt Tapak Jonnom’s legacy through education, sports and collective endeavour.
