Young athletes from Arunachal Pradesh exhibited exceptional talent during the recently concluded 7th Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy, held to honor the legacy of the late Army officer and sports enthusiast. In an impressive display of skill, the West Siang team claimed victory in the boys’ football tournament, while Tawang emerged triumphant in the girls’ category.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu congratulated the winning teams, expressing his pride in their achievements. “Congratulations to West Siang & Tawang on winning the boys’ and girls’ football tournaments respectively,” he stated, highlighting the importance of sports in fostering unity and teamwork among the youth. He also commended standout performances from individual players, noting, “Special kudos to Nissan Das and Tsering Doker for being named the best players!”
The excitement of the event was not limited to football; the volleyball tournaments also captivated spectators. Lohit claimed the championship trophy in the boys’ volleyball category, while Shi-Yomi took home the trophy for the girls. The Chief Minister praised these outstanding athletes as well, saying, “Kudos to Monalisha Gogoi & Baganso Seniya for being recognized as the best volleyball players.”
In a significant boost to the state’s football prospects, Shaja Dususow from West Kameng has been appointed as a coach at the North East United FC Youth Academy. Khandu took to social media to celebrate this achievement, stating, “From Keyi Panyor FC to the big leagues—Arunachal’s football dreams just got more exciting!”
This year’s tournament not only showcased the athletic prowess of Arunachal Pradesh’s youth but also emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting sports and nurturing future talents in the region.