TAWANG, 26 Jul: Monyul FC made a flying start in the 33rd Merag Lama Lodroe Gyatso (MLLG) Independence Cup Football Tournament with a 5-1 win over Yupia FC in the inaugural match, striking the first goal in just 38 seconds at the Gyalwa Tsangyang Gyatso High Altitude Sports Stadium here on Sunday.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Tawang Zilla Parishad Chairperson Leki Gombu urged all participating teams to uphold discipline, mutual respect, and the highest standards of sportsmanship throughout the competition.

Gombu recalled the early years of the tournament when football was played on muddy grounds strewn with pebbles, often resulting in injuries to players. He acknowledged Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s leadership in strengthening sports infrastructure across the state and for creating opportunities for young athletes to showcase their talent.

Addressing the spectators, he appealed to everyone to support the district’s cleanliness drive by refraining from littering and contributing to the vision of a plastic-free Tawang.

Earlier, tributes were paid to late Dr Nawang Tomden, whose vision, dedication, and tireless efforts laid the foundation of the tournament, inspiring generations of footballers and leaving behind a lasting legacy in Tawang’s sporting history.

The tournament is being organised by the Tawang District Football Association, in association with the Tawang District Sports Association, the district administration and the Tawang Brigade of the Indian Army. (DIPRO)