Arunachal Dy CM kicks off the 7th edition of Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy in Namsai

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 4, 2024

The 7th Edition of the state-level Hangpan Dada Memorial Tournament 2023-24 for Football and Volleyball (U-16 Boys and Girls) commenced at the General Ground in Namsai of Arunachal Pradesh on Friday.

The tournament, which is being organized by the Department of Sports in collaboration with the district administration, Namsai, was kicked off by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, who graced the opening ceremony as chief guest.

Formerly known as the Chief Minister’s Trophy for Football and Volley, the tournament was named after Hangpan Dada in 2017 in honour of his supreme sacrifice for the nation.

A Havildar from Tirap district, Hangpan Dada made the sacrifice during a fierce encounter with terrorists in Jammu & Kashmir, eliminating three terrorists in close combat.

His extraordinary bravery earned him India’s highest military honour, the Ashok Chakra posthumously, on Republic Day 2017.

Recalling his bravery and supreme sacrifice, Mein along with other dignitaries, paid floral tribute to Ashok Chakra Hangpan Dada during the programme.

In his address, Mein congratulated all the district-level winners, who will be competing at the state-level tournament starting on Friday.

Highlighting the significance of pursuing sports towards fostering all round development and fitness, Mein stressed upon the Arunachal Pradesh government’s commitment to providing comprehensive support to the youths through several initiatives aimed at enhancing education, sports, and employment opportunities.

“Beyond the existing budget, additional funds would be allocated to the Sports Department to support and encourage our youth in sports” he added saying that the year 2024 is being declared as the ‘Year of Youth’.

Mein also informed about the upcoming construction of a multi-outdoor stadium at General Ground, Namsai, as well as national-standard football stadiums in Namsai and Chongkham, creating a robust environment for athletic training and competition where national events can also be hosted.

He also mentioned about the state-level football tournament which will be organized by Arunachal Football Federation in honour of the Late Indrajit Namchoom, Arunachal Pradesh’s first national football player from the state.

He also expressed pride in the capabilities of the state’s young talents and said that the government will leave no stone unturned to nurture and nourish the budding talents.

The event was also attended by Minister of Health & Family Welfare Biyuram Wahge, Minister of Women & Child Development and Cultural Affairs Dasunglu Pul, Minister of Sports & Youth Affairs Kento Jini, MLA Pasighat Ninong Ering, MLA Namsai Chau Zingnu Namchoom, MLA Tezu Dr. Mohesh Chai, MLA Anini, Mopi Mihu, MLA Dambuk, Puinnyo Apum, MLA Lekang, Likha Soni, and others.