HT Bureau
NAMSAI, June 3: The 8th Edition of the Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy (HDMT) for Under-16 Boys’ and Girls’ Football and Volleyball concluded on Monday at the Pasighat Outdoor Stadium with grandeur, excitement, and a spirit of sportsmanship. The prestigious tournament, named in honour of the late martyr Hangpan Dada, came to a close after several days of intense competition among some of the most promising young athletes from across the state.
The closing ceremony was marked by the presence of several distinguished guests. Kento Jini, Minister of Law, Legislative & Justice, Social Justice, Empowerment & Tribal Affairs, and Sports & Youth Affairs, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, graced the event as the Chief Guest. Retired Major General Pankaj Saxena (VSM) was the Guest of Honour, while 39-Mebo Assembly Constituency MLA Oken Tayeng attended as Special Guest. Other notable dignitaries included Local MLA Tapi Darang, 37-West MLA Ninong Ering, East Siang Deputy Commissioner Tayi Taggu, Superintendent of Police Pankaj Lamba, Chief Councilor of Pasighat Municipal Council Okiam Moyong Borang, Sports Director Tadar Apa, DMO Incharge Nidak Angu, Deputy Director ICDS M. Gao, and Labour Officer-cum-Incharge DIPRO Tore Ete, along with other senior officers and officials from East Siang district.
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The highlight of the closing day was the final boys’ football match, a spectacular showdown between the host team East Siang and Leparada. In what turned out to be a heart-pounding, high-stakes encounter, East Siang edged past Leparada with a 4-3 victory in a match that kept the audience on the edge of their seats. Thousands of spectators packed the stadium, with roars and cheers echoing across the field as both teams displayed extraordinary skill, stamina, and determination.
The match began with a bang, as East Siang’s Panam Tasung scored an early goal just six minutes into the game, setting the tone for what would be a high-energy contest. Shortly after, at the 15-minute mark, Karsing Yirang maneuvered past the Leparada defense to net a second goal for the host team. The pressure on Leparada mounted when an own goal by their defender at the 20-minute mark pushed East Siang’s tally to three.
Despite the setback, Leparada showed commendable resilience. At the 35-minute mark, Teri Kamdak struck back with a powerful header that landed the ball squarely into East Siang’s net. The second half saw continued intensity from both sides. Leparada’s Tori Basar converted a penalty into a goal in the 47th minute, narrowing the deficit and reigniting hopes for a comeback.
However, East Siang responded with another brilliant play. In the 70th minute, Geni Tayeng received a long-range pass and skillfully directed the ball into the net, extending East Siang’s lead once more. Leparada, determined not to give up, managed a spectacular long-distance goal in injury time (70+1 minute), bringing the score to 4-3. Despite the late push, Leparada could not find the equalizer. As the final whistle blew, East Siang was crowned champions of the HDMT-2025, to the resounding applause and cheers of the jubilant home crowd.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Chief Guest Kento Jini expressed pride in the young athletes and the tournament’s growing impact on youth empowerment and community building. He emphasized the importance of incorporating sports into daily life, not just as a form of recreation but as a key to maintaining physical and mental health. “Engaging in sports helps improve internal organ function and overall well-being. The age-old notion that studies are more important than sports is outdated. In today’s era, both must go hand in hand,” the minister remarked. He further stressed that under the leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the state government is committed to promoting sports at the grassroots level, and announced that several initiatives are in the pipeline to support athletic programs for all age groups.
Guest of Honour, Major General (Retd.) Pankaj Saxena (VSM), took a moment to honor the legacy of Late Hangpan Dada. He spoke about Dada’s disciplined life, unwavering commitment, and immense contribution to the nation. “He was a calm and determined soldier, a fitness enthusiast, and a true patriot who laid down his life in the line of duty. His life is a source of inspiration for all, especially the youth,” Saxena stated, urging participants to embody the same discipline and dedication in their pursuits.
Local MLA Tapi Darang, in his address, underlined the significance of the HDMT as more than just a sports competition. “This tournament stands as a symbol of unity, discipline, and honour. It brings together our youth in a shared spirit of camaraderie and healthy competition,” he said. Darang also submitted a memorandum to the minister, requesting the upgradation of Pasighat Outdoor Stadium with a synthetic athletic track under the Khelo India Scheme, which would enhance training opportunities and boost local sports infrastructure.
The tournament also celebrated individual excellence. Kenmin Riba of Leparada was declared the Best Player in the boys’ category, while Natali Yamdo of East Kameng was adjudged the Best Player in the girls’ category, acknowledging their outstanding performances and promising potential.
The 8th Edition of the Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy concluded not only with spectacular matches but with renewed hope for the growth of sports culture in Arunachal Pradesh. The tournament successfully lived up to its legacy of honoring a national hero while nurturing the spirit of youth, fitness, and unity.
