OYAN, Dec 7: Siang Football Cup-2017 along with a soccer motivational camp began at football ground in the Donyi Polo Tea Estate here in East Siang district on Thursday.
Addressing the gathering at the inaugural function, former chief minister Gegong Apang said the tournament and motivational camp would give an opportunity for the young girls to hone their talents in sports activities. He expressed hope that the camp would help to build a strong soccer team to participate in national and international level sports events.
Apang asked the participations to maintain team spirit and sporting spirit during the tournament.
“It is a happy moment that two teams from Donyi Polo Vidya Bhawan and Donyi Polo Hearing Impaired School are also taking part,” Apang said, and hoped the teams would bring laurels to their schools.
Highlighting the purpose of organizing the tournament, Event Coordinator Mone Apang said it is a good opportunity for young girls to sharpen their talent in games and sports.
“It is not about winning or losing; it is all about building individual personality through football,” said Mone, and expressed hope that the tournament would bring students of all communities closer and promote unity and brotherhood.
Mone also said it was a step towards the mission to build a young, energetic women soccer team that can represent the state in national and global level soccer events.
“We want to make the region a centre of excellence and produce women soccer teams to represent the country at world events,” said Soccer Foundation of India (SFI) Chairperson, Bikaram Thockchom.
Stating that Arunachal has potential to excel in sports and games, he said, “We have planned to build a platform for young sportspersons.”
The Siang Cup-2017 is being organised by Donyi Polo Mission in coordination with the Soccer Foundation of India. It will conclude on December 12.
Twelve U-18 teams from Pasighat, Oyan-1 & 2, Pame, Aalu, Sika, Bamin, Pakora, DPVB, DPHI, DPTE-2, DWFA and Adro (Manipur) are taking part in the event.
Friendly matches between Manipur and Pasighat, Oyan and TPTE were played on the inaugural day.
Among others, MP Ninong Ering, former union minister Omak Apang, and prominent public leaders were present at the inaugural ceremony.
