East Siang lifted the Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy (HDMT) 2025 in the Under-16 girls’ football category by edging past East Kameng 1-0 at the Pasighat Outdoor Stadium on June 1. The final match was a nail-biter from start to finish, with both teams showcasing solid defense and swift counterattacks. The deadlock was broken in the 42nd minute when East Siang’s Yayang Lomtung calmly converted a penalty, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. Her goal proved decisive, sealing the victory for East Siang and handing them the prestigious title in front of a packed stadium.
Spectators cheered passionately as both teams fought valiantly in a closely contested battle that highlighted the rising standards of women’s football in Arunachal Pradesh. Coaches and officials praised the players for their grit, team spirit, and sportsmanship on the field. The excitement didn’t end there. In the HDMT volleyball finals held alongside the football showdown, Kra Dadi clinched the girls’ championship after a tight three-set victory over Kamle. The match saw dramatic swings in momentum, with scores reading 25-23, 15-25, and 20-18—making it one of the most thrilling contests of the tournament.
Meanwhile, Kamle’s boys’ volleyball team secured their own moment of glory by defeating Anjaw in straight sets, 25-22 and 31-29. The nail-biting finish to the second set kept the audience on the edge of their seats, cementing Kamle’s place as a rising force in youth sports. The HDMT, named in honor of the late martyr Havildar Hangpan Dada, has grown into a major grassroots sporting event in the state. This year’s finals saw increased participation, enthusiastic crowds, and a spirit of unity through sport, particularly among rural and tribal communities. Organizers and local leaders lauded the young athletes for their discipline and talent, underscoring the importance of such tournaments in fostering sports culture and identifying promising players from remote regions.
