AALO, Dec 27: The third edition of the Hangpan Dada Memorial (HDM) Football and Volley Tournaments for men and women got underway at the government higher secondary school ground here in West Siang district on Thursday.
Four teams, representing Aalo East, Aalo West, Liromoba and Mechuka constituencies are in the fray for the trophy.
The inaugural match was played between Aalo West and Liromoba.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, DIPRO Gijum Tali said the aim of organising the tournament “is to hunt young talented sportspersons,” and exhorted the players to participate in the tournament “with true sportsman spirit.”
District Sports Officer (DSO) Tumto Loyi outlined the efforts that had been made to organise the tournaments at the block and subdivision levels.
The final matches will be played on 29 December.
In Tirap district, martyr Dada’s wife, Chasen Lowang, attended the opening ceremony of the third district level HDM Tournaments for U-18 players at Nehru Stadium in Khonsa.
Inaugurating the district level tourney, Khonsa East MLA Wanglam Sawin paid homage to martyr Dada and expressed appreciation for the state government for renaming the CM’s Trophy Tournaments after Hangpan Dada.
“It is a tribute in the true sense to the son of the soil, Dada, who sacrificed his life while protecting the country,” the MLA said.
He urged the participants to play with sporting spirit, dedication and discipline.
Earlier, DSO Noah Mongku said the best team would be selected by the board members for the state level HDM Tournaments.
In the boys’ volleyball final, Upper Kolam won against Lazu, while Khonsa Ollo Te beat Borduria Volley in the girls’ final.
In the first semifinal football match (boys) on Thursday, Chinkoi FC defeated Deomali FC by 5-0, while Pullung FC beat Lapnan FC by 5-0.
On 28 December, Borduria FC will be up against Baraap FC in the final football match for girls, while Chinkoi FC will lock horns with Baraap FC in the boys’ final. (DIPROs)
