PASIGHAT, AUG 28:
The Arunachal Pradesh University (APU) kicked-off its three-day ‘Futsal Fiesta’ at PJ Arena here today, marking National Sports Day 2026 with a departmental sporting event that will run through August 30.
The inaugural match saw the Department of Tribal Studies defeat the Department of Commerce 3-2, with Dine Yirang scoring a brace for the winning side.
National Sports Day is observed every year on August 29 to mark the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. This year’s observance, organised under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports’ Fit India Movement, carries the theme “Khelega Bharat, Jeetega Bharat” and the call to action “Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein,” urging citizens to devote at least one hour daily to physical activity.
APU Chancellor Lt General (Retd) Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik had urged universities across the state to organise sporting activities in line with the initiative.
Ahead of the opening match, Dr Yab Rajiv Camdir, Chairman of the Sports and Cultural Committee, APU, said the Futsal Fiesta reflected the university’s commitment to building a culture of fitness and camaraderie among students. “Sport is one of the most effective ways to bring students together across departments, and this tournament gives our freshers a chance to find their footing in university life while competing in the true spirit of the game,” he said.
Dr Tarh Ramiya, Assistant Professor, Department of Tribal Studies, addressed players and students before the first match, urging them to play fairly, maintain discipline and uphold the spirit of peaceful competition. He said sports should serve to unite students and build a positive atmosphere on campus.
In the opening encounter, Tribal Studies took an early lead through Pritam Taniang, before Dine Yirang doubled the advantage. Commerce pulled one back through Bamang Kash, but Yirang struck again before the break to complete his brace, sending Tribal Studies into half-time with a 3-1 lead. Commerce fought back after the interval, with Nini Jonkey narrowing the gap to 3-2, but could not find an equaliser as Tribal Studies held on for the win.
The Futsal Fiesta will continue until August 30 with departmental fixtures for both boys and girls. The tournament carries the spirit of National Sports Day: Play, Unite and Celebrate.
Faculty members, staff, APUSU representatives, scholars and students from various departments attended the inaugural. (Report by students of Mass Comm., APU)
