TAWANG, SEP 12:
The second edition of the Monyul Super League (MSL) got off to a dramatic start in Tawang, with Shyo United stunning defending champions Kalaktang-Rupa FC 3-2 in a five-goal thriller at the Gyalwa Tsangyang Gyatso High Altitude Stadium.
The tournament, which kicked off on Thursday, has brought together eight teams from Tawang and West Kameng districts in a battle for regional football supremacy.
Four teams each from the two districts are competing in the league – Kalaktang-Rupa FC, Thrizino-Buragaon, Bomdila FC, Mon Dirang, Rheblagangsum, Tawang United, Shyo United and Dhagpa Pangchen.
The opening clash lived up to the occasion as defending champions Kalaktang-Rupa FC faced a determined Shyo United. In a closely fought contest, Shyo United held their nerve to clinch a 3-2 victory, handing the reigning champions an early setback and setting the tone for an action-packed tournament.
Earlier, the league was formally inaugurated by Padma Shri awardee the 14th Thegtse Rinpoche in the presence of Tawang MLA Namgey Tsering, Special Secretary (Sports) Akshat Kaushal, deputy commissioner Namgyal Angmo and SP Tasi Darang, besides public representatives, officials and sports personalities.
The inaugural ceremony also brought music to the football arena, with Arunachal Idol Season 7 winner Samdrup and Arunachal-based pop act Gilithigreams performing before the gathering.
The tournament is being organised in collaboration with the Tawang District Sports Association, with Durex The Birds and Bees Talk (TBBT) continuing as title partner for the second consecutive year.
Reckitt South Asia executive vice-president Gaurav Jain said the partnership seeks to use football as a platform to build confidence, teamwork and respect among young people while encouraging them to make informed choices.
Beyond the race for the trophy, the league aims to provide emerging footballers from the region a competitive platform while strengthening sporting ties between Tawang and West Kameng.
With the defending champions already beaten in their opening outing, MSL 2026 has begun with an early warning – the title race could be wide open this year.
