ZIRO, Jun 9: The 51st Dree Football Championship and the 2nd edition of the Women Dree Football Championship were kicked off on Saturday by Indian Olympic Association (IOA) vice president Padi Richo at the Dani Kunia GHSS here.
Richo advised the teams to exhibit their talent with professionalism “as there is abundant scope in the field of sports.” He exhorted parents not to discourage their children who are interested in taking up sports as a career.
He assured to provide free sports training and elementary education to 3000 youths every Sunday at the Dani Kunia GHSS if the school authority permits it.
District Sports Officer Ajong Sitek and All Apatani Gaon Burah Welfare Association president Hage Apa exhorted the players to maintain sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
This year, eight strong teams are participating in the tournament. These include Sojang Lapang Sports Club, All Hija Sports Association, High Definition Football Club, Diibo Football Club, Diibo Sports Club, Hari Sports Club, Zamra Football Club, and Laji Bogia Sporting Club.
Organized by the Central Dree Festival Committee of Ziro, All Hija Sports Association defeated last year’s defending champion Sojang Lapang Sports Club by 1-0 in the inaugural match.
In the women’s category, six teams – All Hija Sports Association, Diibo Sports Club, Sojang Lapang Sports Club, Laji Bogia Sporting Club, Rantii Pige Football Club and Sancha Nyimung Football Club – are participating in the tournament.
The tournament for women’s category will begin on Sunday at the DK GHSS ground.
