Staff Reporter
BALIJAN, Dec 10: The third edition of the Papum Poma Veteran Football Tournament was kicked off here in Papum Pare on Saturday by Thrizino MLA Tenzin Nima Glow and Prof Joram Yalam Nabam of Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU).
Altogether 13 teams from the Papum Poma region are participating in the tournament.
In the opening match, defending champions Tubung FC played out a 1-1 draw against Lenka FC. Lenka FC goalkeeper Boria Michael was awarded the man of the match award.
A large crowd turned up to witness the opening event. Addressing the gathering, Prof Nabam said that more sports infrastructure should be created, especially to cater to the needs of women sportspersons. “More women should participate in the field of sports,” she said.
She also urged the participants to enjoy sports and the tournament. “Sports should create healthy rivalry,besides keeping people healthy. I am happy to see the participation of so many teams in this tournament,” she said. She further urged everyone to stay away from drugs.
MLA Glow urged the youths to take up sports as a career option. “Today, sports as a career option offer a lot of scope. The youths should take it up seriously,” he said.
Tournament director Nabam Hachang informed that floodlights have been installed at the general ground since the second edition to give a facelift to the tournament. He credited local MLA Nabam Vivek for the improvement of the ground.
He further said that the aim of the tournament is to pay tribute to legendary players of the Papum Poma region who have represented the district and the state at various forums. “The younger generation can draw inspiration from these veteran players,” he added.
Balijan ADC Takar Rava was also present on the occasion.
