In a pulsating final that had the entire stadium on its feet, East Siang district lifted its first-ever Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy (HDMT) in the U-16 boys’ football category, defeating Leparada 4-3 in a dramatic and action-packed match at the Pasighat Outdoor Stadium on Monday. The 8th edition of the prestigious HDMT tournament came to a grand conclusion with the clash between East Siang and Leparada offering everything a football fan could ask for—early goals, comebacks, skill, and spirit. Cheered on by hundreds of spectators, the boys from East Siang delivered a performance that blended tactical brilliance with raw determination. East Siang drew first blood in the 6th minute through Panam Tasung, igniting cheers from the home crowd. Momentum built quickly, and by the 15th minute, Karsing Yirang doubled the lead with a clinical strike. An own goal by Leparada in the 20th minute gave East Siang a comfortable 3-0 cushion. But the game was far from over.
Leparada struck back with a header from Teri Kamdak in the 35th minute, and as the second half kicked off, they intensified their attack. A penalty converted by Tori Basar in the 47th minute narrowed the margin to 3-2. East Siang responded in the 70th minute with a goal from Geni Tayeng. Despite a stunning long-range goal by Leparada in injury time (70+1 minute), East Siang held on for a thrilling 4-3 victory. The closing ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Arunachal Pradesh Minister for Sports & Youth Affairs, Shri Kento Jini, who served as Chief Guest. Retired Major General Pankaj Saxena (VSM) graced the occasion as Guest of Honour, alongside MLAs Oken Tayeng, Tapi Darang, and Ninong Ering. Also present were East Siang DC Tayi Taggu, SP Pankaj Lamba, and other senior officials and community leaders. Minister Jini lauded the efforts of young athletes and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to nurturing grassroots sports. “The HDMT is not just a tournament; it is a movement to energize and inspire our youth. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, sports will receive equal importance alongside academics,” he declared.
He also confirmed that the long-pending demand for a synthetic athletic track at Pasighat Stadium had been taken up for funding, based on a note from local MLA Tapi Darang. Guest of Honour Maj. Gen. Pankaj Saxena (Retd.) paid heartfelt tribute to the tournament’s namesake, martyr Hangpan Dada, praising his valor and discipline. “Let his legacy guide our youth toward strength, unity, and service to the nation,” he said. MLA Tapi Darang emphasized the role of HDMT in promoting discipline, unity, and state-level talent recognition. He submitted a formal memorandum urging the Centre to fund infrastructure development in Pasighat under the Khelo India scheme. Kenmin Riba of Leparada was adjudged Best Player in the Boys’ category, while Natali Yamdo of East Siang earned the top honor among the Girls.
