Tawang hosts 33rd Merag Lama Lodroe Gyatso Independence Cup football tournament

The 33rd Merag Lama Lodroe Gyatso Independence Cup football tournament opened on Sunday in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, at the Gyalwa Tsangyang Gyatso High‑Altitude Sports Stadium. The event features 14 men’s teams and seven women’s teams and is organised by the Tawang District Football Association in partnership with the Tawang District Sports Association, the district administration and the Tawang Brigade of the Indian Army. Zila Parishad Chairperson Leki Gombu served as chief guest, with Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo, IAS, as guest of honour, and both praised Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s role in improving sports infrastructure in the state.

The inaugural match saw Monyul FC defeat Yupia FC 5‑1, scoring the first goal after 38 seconds. The ceremony also paid tribute to the late Dr Nawang Tomden, recognised for establishing the tournament. Organisers and officials urged spectators to support the district’s cleanliness drive and work toward a plastic‑free Tawang.