AALO, SEP 30:

Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Kento Jini called for the First Interdepartmental Sports Tournament in West Siang to be organised as an annual event while addressing its valedictory function at Aalo Stadium on Tuesday.

Jini congratulated the organisers and 23 participating government departments, involving around 1,000 employees, and said the tournament provided an opportunity for government employees to interact beyond their respective departments and foster coordination, unity and team spirit.

Appreciating the efforts of DSO West Siang Eken Bam and his team, the Minister said such initiatives would contribute to developing a stronger sporting culture in the district.

Speaking about sports infrastructure, Jini said work on the Aalo Outdoor Stadium was expected to commence soon, with completion and handover targeted for March 2027. He also informed that another parking facility was coming up in the township.

The Minister appealed to the public to cooperate with the administration and avoid using the stadium premises until completion of the development works. He also called for collective efforts to keep Aalo clean and green, including segregation of waste at source.

Deputy Commissioner Mindo Loyi, the organising chairman, described the 12-day tournament as an event that promoted healthy competition, discipline, teamwork and coordination among government employees. He said the tournament would be continued as an annual event.

The final football match was played between the District Judiciary and 2nd AAPBn, with the latter winning 6-0. The Education Department won the badminton event. Matches were also live-telecast for the public.

In the medal tally, the Health Department secured two gold medals, while 2nd AAPBn won one gold and one silver. The Urban Development Department secured one gold, while the Education Department won two silver medals and the Judiciary one silver.

The valedictory programme also featured a Maga dance performance by students of SFS College, Aalo. (DIPR)