ITANAGAR, May 25: The curtains on the 9th edition of State level Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy (HDMT) were drawn at the Aalo football ground in West Siang district today, with Papum Pare boys and East Kameng girls emerging as champions in football competitions, while Kurung Kumey (boys) and Capital Complex (girls) came up winners in volleyball contests.
The prestigious tournament brought together talented athletes from across Arunachal Pradesh and concluded with thrilling football and volleyball finals.
The much-anticipated boys’ football final was played during the closing ceremony. In a high octane match, Papum Pare and Lower Siang were locked at 1–1 during regulation period. The match was eventually decided through a penalty shootout, where Papum Pare emerged victorious by 4–3. The winners received a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh along with trophies, medals, and certificates, and the runners-up got Rs 1 lakh.
In individual award, Tai Raju (5) of Papum Pare was adjudged the Best Player in Boys’ Football and received Rs 15,000.
Earlier in the morning session, in the girls’ football final, East Kameng was crowned champions after defeating Namsai 3–1 in an exciting contest. Sonia Rangmo (15) opened the scoring for East Kameng in the 6th minute, followed by a second goal from Mema Keno (5) in the 26th minute. Namsai fought back before halftime with Osi Pegu (7) finding the net in the 34th minute. However, Rangmo sealed the victory for East Kameng with her second goal of the match in the 56th minute. East Kameng received a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh along with trophies, medals, and certificates, while runners-up Namsai got Rs 1 lakh.
In individual award, Yanyang Samyor of Shi-Yomi (10) was declared the Best Player in Girls’ Football and awarded Rs 15,000.
In the girls’ volleyball final, Capital Complex lifted the championship trophy by defeating Keyi Panyor in an exciting three-setter with scores of 25–22, 20–25, 15–9. Capital Complex received a cash award of Rs 1 lakh, while Keyi Panyor obtained Rs 75,000.
Teresa Yangfo (7) of Capital Complex was declared the Best Player in Girls’ Volleyball and received Rs 15,000.
In the boys’ volleyball final, Kurung Kumey defeated Upper Subansiri with scores of 25–22, 22–25, 15–10 to claim the title. Kurung Kumey received Rs 1 lakh as prize money, while runners-up Upper Subansiri got Rs 75,000.
Popmar Bulo (3) of Upper Subansiri was named the Best Player in Boys’ Volleyball and awarded Rs 15,000.
Among others, the closing ceremony was graced by Brig Ritesh Katoch, Commander, 5 Infantry Brigade, Indian Army, as chief guest. Other distinguished dignitaries present included Zingnu Namchoom, MLA Namsai and Advisor to Minister Sports & Youth Affairs; Colonel Karan Kochar, Indian Army; John Neelam, Chairman, Sports Authority of Arunachal; Akshat Kaushal, Secretary Sports & Youth Affairs (GoAP); Doi Ado and Kento Ete, former Ministers; Gumpe Rime, Goalkeeping Coach of the India U-23 National Football Team.
The programme concluded with the felicitation of all District Sports Officers and technical officials of Football and Volleyball for their dedicated efforts and contributions towards the successful conduct of the tournament.