TEZU, Jan 7: The state level football and volleyball tournaments for the third Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy (HDMT) was kicked off here in Lohit district on Monday. More than 1100 players from 22 districts are participating in it.
The U-18 tournament for both the sexes is organized in memory of martyr Havildar Hangpan Dada, Ashok Chakra, who laid down his life while fighting terrorists in the Shamsabari range in North Kashmir in 2016.
“The supreme sacrifice made by Dada will inspire the generations to come,” said Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Dr Mohesh Chai after paying floral tributes to the portrait of the brave soldier.
He said the tournament “is a sincere effort by the state government, led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, to keep Dada’s memory alive.”
Exhorting the youths to take up sports professionally, Dr Chai said sports are becoming a multi-billion dollar industry globally and talented players can now write their own success stories.
The sports minister also highlighted the recent performance of the state in the field of games and sports, and named a few sportspersons who have been able to make a mark with their outstanding performances in national as well as international events.
Dr Chai made special mention of Chasen Dada, wife of late Dada, who had come all the way from Tirap to attend the inauguration function.
Namsai MLA Chow Zignu Namchoom exhorted the youths of Lohit district to abstain from drugs and opium use, and advised them to utilize their youthful energy in constructive activities like sports.
Chasen in her address said she is overwhelmed by the love and respect shown to her by the people of the state, wherever she goes.
“I am proud that the sacrifice made by my husband has not gone in vain, and his valour and supreme sacrifice will continue to inspire the youths of the state,” she said.
Sports Director Tadar Appa gave a brief account of the tournament, which is held in memory of Dada since 2017.
Present in the opening ceremony, among others, were Sports & Youth Affairs Secretary Dani Salu, Lohit DC Karma Leki, and SP DW Thongon.
The inaugural boys’ football match was played between Lohit and Lower Siang. It was won by Lower Siang by 1-0. (DIPRO)
