Haflong, January 23: In a major initiative to encourage grassroots sports and empower young athletes, the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council (DHAC) on Tuesday distributed 31 appointment letters to outstanding football players who distinguished themselves in the CEM's Cup, MAC Cup, and the Inter-Polling Football Tournament.
The appointment letters were handed over during a special ceremony in Haflong, reflecting the Council's commitment to recognizing sporting talent and creating meaningful opportunities for youth through sports. The initiative is aimed at motivating young athletes to pursue excellence while promoting sports as a pathway to personal development and employment.
Announcing the initiative, DHAC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Debolal Gorlosa said the Council remains committed to strengthening sports at the grassroots level and providing encouragement to talented players across Dima Hasao. He noted that the appointments were intended not only to reward sporting excellence but also to inspire the younger generation to adopt healthy lifestyles and stay away from drugs and other negative influences.
Of the 31 appointments, one player was selected from the CEM's Cup, two players from the MAC Cup, and 28 players from the Inter-Polling Football Tournament, highlighting the Council's efforts to identify and support talent through local sporting competitions.
The programme was attended by several senior DHAC leaders and dignitaries, including Chairman Mohet Hojai, Deputy Chairman Amin Leinthang, Dima Hasao BJP Prabhari Vijay Kumar Gupta, District BJP President and MAC Dhriti Thaosen, Executive Members, Members of the Autonomous Council (MACs), and Chairpersons of various Constituency Development Committees (CDCs).
To celebrate the occasion, the District Sports & Youth Welfare Department and the General Administration Department (GAD), DHAC, jointly organised a friendly football match between the CEM's XI and the Chairman's XI at Sengya Sambhudhan Phonglo Mlaoyam in Haflong, adding enthusiasm and festive spirit to the event.
Officials said the initiative would strengthen the sporting culture in Dima Hasao, create employment opportunities for deserving athletes, and inspire more young people to actively participate in sports. They expressed confidence that sustained investment in grassroots sports would contribute to holistic youth development and help produce talented footballers capable of representing the district, Assam, and the country in the years ahead.
