HT Correspondent
TAWANG, July 26: The 32nd edition of the Merag Lama Lodroe Gyatso Independence Cup Football Tournament was inaugurated with great enthusiasm and community participation at the Gyalwa Tsangyang Gyatso High Altitude Stadium in Tawang.
Organised annually by the Tawang District Football Association in collaboration with the District Administration and the Indian Army, the tournament marks a major sporting and cultural event in Arunachal Pradesh.
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The grand opening ceremony this year also coincided with Kargil Vijay Diwas, adding a layer of patriotic fervour to the celebrations.
The tournament was formally declared open by the Chairman of the Sports Authority of Arunachal Pradesh, John Neelam, who attended the event as chief guest.
He was joined by several dignitaries, including Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo, IAS, Brigadier Bhupal Singh, Commander of the 190 Mountain Brigade, Secretary General of the Monpa Mimang Tsogpa Rinchin Norbu, and President of the MMT Tawang Unit Pema Chowang.
The event was further graced by Deputy Superintendent of Police Tasso Kato and presidents of various sports associations, whose presence added to the stature of the occasion.
According to an official statement, this year’s tournament features a record 19 teams from different corners of the district, reflecting the tournament’s growing popularity and the burgeoning football talent in the region.
The opening match saw defending champions D-Club take on Ganchen FC in an exciting clash.
D-Club dominated the game and emerged victorious with a 3–0 win, setting a high competitive benchmark for the rest of the tournament.
In a special ceremony held during the inauguration, the Tawang District Football Association felicitated two female footballers, Dechin Youton and Tsering Doker, who have represented Arunachal Pradesh at the national level.
Their recognition underscores the Association’s commitment to promoting gender inclusion in sports and honouring local athletes who bring distinction to the district.
In a cultural tribute, the Monpa Mimang Tsogpa honoured Tsering Sandup, the winner of the seventh season of Arunachal Idol, for his outstanding contribution to music and for raising the cultural profile of Tawang on a larger stage.
His felicitation highlighted the event’s celebration of not only sports but also artistic achievements that bind the community together.
The inaugural day drew an enthusiastic crowd of supporters, players, and residents, transforming the stadium into a vibrant hub of energy and festivity.
Set against the scenic Tawang hills, the tournament continues to be a symbol of youth empowerment, community unity, and sporting excellence.
With spirited participation and rising local talent, the 2025 edition of the Merag Lama Lodroe Gyatso Independence Cup is poised to leave a lasting mark in the annals of district-level football in Arunachal Pradesh.
