Lunglei, June 26: Mizoram Chief Minister and Lunglei High Powered Committee (HPC) Chairman Lalduhoma on Friday inaugurated the 15th HPC Cup 2026, an inter-village football tournament organised by the Lunglei District Football Association (LDFA) under the sponsorship of the Lunglei HPC, at C. Thuamluaia Mual in Lunglei. Addressing a large gathering, the Chief Minister described Lunglei as one of Mizoram's most important sporting centres and reiterated the state government's commitment to nurturing young sporting talent while accelerating infrastructure development across south Mizoram.
 |
| Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma arrives at C. Thuamluaia Mual in Lunglei to inaugurate the 15th HPC Cup 2026. (Image: DIPR Mizoram) |
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Lalduhoma said Lunglei has long been recognised as a cradle of football excellence, producing several accomplished players who have represented Mizoram and India. He noted that the district has consistently contributed significantly to Indian football, pointing out that 13 of the nearly 68 Mizo footballers currently playing in the Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League hail from Lunglei. He credited both the Lunglei District Football Association and the HPC Cup for playing a pivotal role in identifying and nurturing football talent over the years.
Highlighting the tournament's legacy, the Chief Minister said the HPC Cup, launched in 2011, has become an important platform for discovering young footballers with professional potential. Except for a break during the COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament has been organised annually and has helped several players progress to Mizoram's age-group teams and professional football. In recognition of its success, the state government has increased the HPC Fund (District Annual Plan) allocation from ₹5 crore to ₹7 crore, while the tournament budget has also been enhanced from ₹6 lakh to ₹8 lakh.
Lalduhoma said the Lunglei HPC has expanded its support beyond football by sponsoring initiatives such as the Lunglei International Fight Night, HPC Badminton Tournament, HPC-MBBA Inter-District Basketball Tournament, MVA Cup Volleyball Tournament, Mizoram Arm Wrestling Tournament and HPC Young Music Talent, reflecting the government's broader commitment to youth development through sports and culture.
The Chief Minister also announced several infrastructure projects for Lunglei. He said a ₹3 crore multi-level parking facility is under construction near C. Thuamluaia Mual to address parking congestion. A ₹5 crore floodlight project has already been included under the SASCI 2026–27 Priority Projects to facilitate night matches, while plans have also been finalised to improve toilets and dressing rooms at the stadium through the HPC District Annual Fund.
On road connectivity, Lalduhoma informed that although the proposal to declare the ATL Road as a National Highway could not be approved because of an existing parallel highway, the Centre has agreed to upgrade the Aizawl–Thenzawl stretch as a National Highway. He said NHIDCL has initiated the DPR process and aims to complete the alignment this year before seeking sanction next year. Construction on the Haulawng–AOC Ramthar section is progressing, while the remaining portions are awaiting sanction, with the overall project targeted for completion by March 2027.
The Chief Minister further reviewed major urban development projects in Lunglei. He said the ₹55 crore Greater Lunglei Water Supply Scheme has achieved nearly 80 per cent completion and is expected to be finished by February 2027, while the AMRUT 2.0 upgradation work is almost complete. He also highlighted several civic projects, including a new LMC Complex, renovation of Saikuti Hall, a transport hub at Theiriat, a market shed at Ramthar AOC, development of Lunglei Park, construction of public toilets and footpaths, and ongoing efforts to establish Mizoram State University in Lunglei. He also provided updates on infrastructure development at Mizoram Engineering College, Pukpui.
Emphasising sports as a tool for youth empowerment, Lalduhoma said football and other sporting disciplines offer not only career opportunities but also promote physical fitness, mental well-being and social values. He urged parents to encourage their children to participate in sports as a constructive alternative to drug abuse and other social challenges. The Chief Minister encouraged young athletes to work hard, remain disciplined and aspire to represent Mizoram and India at higher levels.
The inaugural function was attended by Lunglei HPC Vice Chairman V. Malsawmtluanga, Adviser to the Chief Minister and Lawngtlai East MLA Dr Lorrain Lalpekliana Chinzah, Lunglei South MLA Lalramliana Papuia, South Tuipui MLA Jeje Lalpekhlua, Lunglei Municipal Council Chairman Lalzuithanga, councillors, government officials and sports administrators. Representatives of the Mizoram Football Association also highlighted the importance of grassroots football development in the state.
The ceremony concluded with an exhibition match between the team led by HPC Vice Chairman V. Malsawmtluanga and the team captained by MLA Jeje Lalpekhlua, with the latter securing a 5-4 victory. This year's HPC Cup features men's and Under-16 competitions involving teams from Lunglei, Hnahthial, Lawngtlai and Siaha districts. The men's champions will receive ₹1.20 lakh, while the Under-16 champions will be awarded ₹10,000, along with trophies, certificates and individual awards recognising outstanding performances.
