AALO, Jan 29: The second state level Hangpan Dada Memorial Football and Volleyball Tournaments for men and women got off to a colourful start at the general ground here in West Siang district on Monday.
The winners of the district level tournaments qualify for the main state level tournament. The preliminary rounds are conducted at the constituency/block level, and the winners at this level qualify for the district level tournament.
Speaking at the inauguration function, Sports & Youth Affairs Parliamentary Secretary Nyamar Karbak said that the state government has given sports a specific direction after unveiling the sports policy at Kamba during the Liromoba Sports Carnival.
Highlighting various sportsperson-friendly programmes and policies of the state government, Karbak said 5% job reservation in all government departments for meritorious sportspersons has been made mandatory.
Besides, the state government has already announced very lucrative rewards for those who win medals at the Olympics, the Asian Games, and at national level competitions, he said, and urged the sportspersons to grab the rewards by excelling in their chosen sports.
“Many stadiums have come up in various districts and many are in various stages of completion,” Karbak said, adding that the infrastructure needs of an old town like Aalo and an emerging town like Kamba would be looked into in the years to come.
“It is a great privilege to see the mega sports event named after Ashok Chakra Hangpan Dada, who laid down his life while defending the motherland,” said 5 Mountain Brigade commander, Brig C Dayalal.
He described Havildar Dada and Kriti Chakra Naik Tape Yajo as “the pride of Arunachal Pradesh.”
He advised the players to display sportsmanship throughout the tournament to pay a befitting tribute to the brave soldier.
Brig Dayalal and other dignitaries lit the tournament lamp before declaring the tournament open.
A minute’s silence was also observed as a mark of respect to Hangpan Dada.
West Siang Deputy Commissioner Swetika Sachan, Sports Director Tadar Appa and his team of officials from Itanagar, and departmental heads of the district were present on the occasion.
An impressive march-past by the participating teams and cultural programmes were the main highlights of the opening ceremony.
It was followed by football Group A league match between Siang and East Siang, in which the latter defeated the former by 1-0 goal.
A total of 1126 players and officials from 21 districts are participating in the tournament. (DIPRO)
