Parnaik hails IAF’s football tournament as a model for youth engagement

OUR CORRESPONDENT

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (Retd) K T Parnaik on Tuesday lauded the Indian Air Force (IAF) for fostering youth engagement through sports, stating that the maiden Inter Advance Landing Ground (ALG) football tournament was a shining example of nation-building through discipline, inspiration, and sport.

Speaking at the grand finale of the tournament at the Golden Jubilee Outdoor Stadium in Yupia, near here, Parnaik said the event was more than just a sporting contest, it served as a dynamic platform for constructive engagement with the youth residing around various ALGs across the State.

“Involving young people in constructive activities like football promotes discipline, teamwork, and a sense of purpose,” the governor said, adding that such initiatives help identify hidden sporting talent from remote areas and provide opportunities to excel at higher levels.

He noted that Arunachal Pradesh holds immense potential in sports and appreciated the IAF’s role in unlocking that talent while instilling values such as resilience, leadership, and camaraderie.

Parnaik also expressed hope that the patriotic spirit ignited by such events may inspire youth to pursue careers in the Indian Armed Forces.

The event witnessed a thrilling final match in which ALG Pasighat clinched the championship title by defeating ALG Aalo by 4-2 goals.

Along with the inaugural inter-ALG football trophy, the winners received a cash award.

The governor presented trophies to both the winners and runners-up, commending their performance and sportsmanship. Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Air Command, Air Marshal Surat Singh, along with senior IAF officials, attended the grand finale.

The stadium buzzed with energy as students from various schools cheered the teams, and a lively band performance by students of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Nirjuli, added to the celebratory mood.

The tournament, organized by the Eastern Air Command, featured eight teams comprising IAF personnel and local players representing ALGs from Tawang, Ziro, Mechuka, Aalo, Pasighat, Tuting, Walong, and Vijoynagar.

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