RUPA : Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) on Sunday inaugurated the Rupa Football League (RFL)-Independence Cup 2026 at Gyaptang Stadium in West Kameng district and called upon young people to embrace sports as a pathway to discipline, leadership, healthy living and nation-building.
Jointly organised by the Indian Army and the Rupa Town Club under the theme ‘Say No to Drugs, Yes to Football’, the tournament has attracted 16 teams, including Indian Army formations under the Kameng Sector, teams from across the Northeast and one from neighbouring Nepal. Six teams are also competing in the women’s league.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor said football instils values such as teamwork, perseverance, resilience, respect for rules and the ability to perform under pressure. He noted that sports provide a constructive avenue for channelising youthful energy, building confidence and developing character.
Referring to the growing challenge of substance abuse, Parnaik said sports offer young people a healthy and meaningful alternative by encouraging positive habits and a strong sense of purpose.
Highlighting Arunachal Pradesh’s sporting potential, he called for sustained investment in infrastructure, coaching and exposure opportunities to help talented athletes excel. He said tournaments such as the Rupa Football League provide an important platform for identifying and nurturing promising footballers, particularly in remote and border areas.
Impressed by the facilities at Gyaptang Stadium, the Governor suggested establishing a dedicated football academy at the venue. He said quality sports infrastructure attracts skilled coaches and trainers, enabling systematic talent development, scientific coaching and effective scouting of young players.
Welcoming the inclusion of the women’s league, Parnaik described it as a significant step towards promoting gender equality and empowering young women through sports.
He also lauded the Rupa Town Club and the Indian Army for organising the tournament, commending the Army’s continued contribution to youth development, community outreach and nation-building initiatives in border areas. The event, he said, reflected the strong bond between the people of West Kameng and the armed forces.
Calling upon players to compete with passion, integrity and sportsmanship, the Governor reminded them that both victory and defeat are part of the learning process. Reiterating the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, he said every goal scored, every challenge overcome and every act of fair play contributes to building a stronger nation.
Rupa MLA Tseten Chombay, Thrizino-Buragaon MLA Tenzin Nyima Glow and General Officer Commanding 5 Mountain Division Major General Amit Nautiyal SM VSM also addressed the gathering, highlighting the role of sports in youth development, discipline, teamwork, national integration and strengthening ties between local communities and the Indian Army.
Among those present were West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Dilip Kumar, Superintendent of Police D.W. Thongon, former minister D.K. Thongdok, former Rajya Sainik Board secretary Air Commodore Rinchin Musabi (Retd.), senior Army and Sashastra Seema Bal officers, panchayat leaders and other dignitaries.
The inaugural ceremony featured colourful traditional dances and cultural performances by local artistes, reflecting Arunachal Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage and adding to the festive atmosphere that marked the start of the tournament.
