Aalo, May 25: The 9th edition of the State-Level Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy concluded successfully at the Aalo Football Ground in West Siang district on Sunday, with Papum Pare and East Kameng emerging champions in the Boys’ and Girls’ Football events respectively.
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| Players of Kurung Kumey celebrate after winning the Boys’ Volleyball title at the 9th State-Level Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy 2026 held at Aalo in Arunachal Pradesh. (TNP) |
The
closing ceremony was attended by Brigadier Ritesh Katoch as the Chief Guest.
Other dignitaries present included MLA Chau Zingnu Namchoom, Colonel Karan
Kochar, Sports Authority of Arunachal Chairman John Neelam, Sports and Youth
Affairs Secretary Akshat Kaushal, former ministers Doi Ado and Kento Ete, and
India U-23 National Football Team Goalkeeping Coach Gumpe Rime.
In the
Boys’ Football Final, Papum Pare defeated Lower Siang 4–3 in a penalty shootout
after both teams remained tied 1–1 during regular time in a thrilling
encounter. Papum Pare received Rs 2 lakh along with trophies, medals and
certificates, while runners-up Lower Siang were awarded Rs 1 lakh. Tai Raju of
Papum Pare, wearing Jersey No. 5, was adjudged the Best Player in Boys’
Football and received Rs 15,000.
In the
Girls’ Football Final, East Kameng defeated Namsai 3–1 to clinch the title.
Sonia Rangmo scored twice for East Kameng, netting goals in the 6th and 56th
minutes, while Mema Keno added another in the 26th minute. Osi Pegu scored the
lone goal for Namsai in the 34th minute. East Kameng received Rs 2 lakh in
prize money along with trophies, medals and certificates, while runners-up
Namsai received Rs 1 lakh. Yanyang Samyor of Shi Yomi was adjudged the Best
Player in Girls’ Football and awarded Rs 15,000.
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The
volleyball finals were also held on the concluding day of the tournament. In
the Girls’ Volleyball Final, Capital Complex defeated Keyi Panyor in a closely
contested match with scores of 25–22, 20–25 and 15–9. Teresa Yangfo of Capital
Complex was declared the Best Player. In the Boys’ Volleyball Final, Kurung
Kumey defeated Upper Subansiri with scores of 25–22, 22–25 and 15–10, while
Popmar Bulo of Upper Subansiri was named Best Player of the tournament.
The programme concluded with the felicitation of District Sports Officers and technical officials for their contributions towards the successful conduct of the tournament, organised in memory of Ashok Chakra awardee Late Hangpan Dada. Officials said the event once again highlighted the growing sporting culture and competitive spirit among the youth of Arunachal Pradesh.
