ITANAGAR, Apr 9: The 9th edition of the District-Level Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy for Under-16 boys and girls in football and volleyball got underway at the SLSA Sports Complex, Chimpu, under the Itanagar Capital Region (ICR) on Thursday.
The tournament has brought together teams from the three circles of the ICR — Banderdewa, Naharlagun and Itanagar — competing across both football and volleyball disciplines.
The inaugural function witnessed the presence of Kipa Ajay, Treasurer of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and General Secretary of the Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA), along with Taba Katu, General Secretary of the Arunachal Pradesh Volleyball Association (APVA). Among others present were Likha Vidha, Principal of SLSA; Teli Kahi, Sports Officer at the Sports Authority of Arunachal; and elite taekwondo athlete Khinsan Wangsu, besides coaches from SLSA and KISCE.
Addressing the gathering, Kipa Ajay highlighted the slogan “Football Uniting Arunachal,” urging young players to remain committed to sports and stay away from drugs. He also called upon families and communities to actively support youth and collectively fight against drug abuse.
On the field, Naharlagun made a strong start in the boys’ football category, registering a convincing 6–1 victory over Itanagar in the opening match.
The winners of the district-level tournament will qualify for the state-level competition, scheduled to be held at Aalo in West Siang district from May 16.
The event is being jointly organised by the District Administration, ICR, in collaboration with the Department of Sports, Government of Arunachal Pradesh.
