Monyul FC kicked off the 33rd Merag Lama Lodroe Gyatso (MLLG) Independence Cup Football Tournament with a resounding 5-1 victory over Yupia FC at the Gyalwa Tsangyang Gyatso High Altitude Sports Stadium in Tawang on Sunday.
The winning team made a swift start, scoring their first goal in just 38 seconds. The inaugural match marked the beginning of the highly anticipated tournament, which promises to showcase the skills of local footballers.
During the inaugural ceremony, Tawang Zilla Parishad Chairperson Leki Gombu emphasized the importance of discipline, mutual respect, and sportsmanship among participating teams. He also acknowledged the significant improvements in sports infrastructure across the state under the leadership of Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
Gombu reminisced about the early years of the tournament, when players had to contend with muddy and pebble-strewn grounds, often resulting in injuries. He expressed gratitude for the opportunities now available to young athletes to demonstrate their talents.
The chairperson also appealed to the spectators to support the district’s cleanliness drive by refraining from littering and contributing to the vision of a plastic-free Tawang.
The tournament is being organized by the Tawang District Football Association, in collaboration with the Tawang District Sports Association, the district administration, and the Tawang Brigade of the Indian Army. The event paid tribute to the late Dr Nawang Tomden, whose dedication and efforts have left a lasting legacy in Tawang’s sporting history.
