Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, 11 Sep: Nine teams will battle for the title in the final round of the 21st Tadar Tang State Level Football Championship 2026, scheduled to be held at the Golden Jubilee Stadium in Yupia from 16 to 29 September, the organisers said on Friday.
The state's premier football tournament will also serve as a platform to identify players for the Arunachal Pradesh team for the Santosh Trophy.
Championship overall in-charge Kipa Ajay said the final round is scheduled following the completion of the group-stage matches, held across the state from 30 August to 7 September.
Defending champions Capital Complex, Arunachal Pradesh Police Sports Control Board, East Kameng, Lower Siang, Kurung Kumey, Dibang Valley, Lohit, Siang and Keyi Panyor will compete in the final round.
Capital Complex secured direct entry as defending champions.
Group A comprises Capital Complex, Arunachal Pradesh Police Sports Control Board, East Kameng, Lower Siang and Kurung Kumey, while Dibang Valley, Lohit, Siang and Keyi Panyor have been placed in Group B.
On the opening day, Arunachal Pradesh Police Sports Control Board will face East Kameng, while Capital Complex will take on Lower Siang in the inaugural match at 6 pm.
Describing the championship as the "Arunachal World Cup," Ajay said nearly 1,000 players, technical officials, physiotherapists, organisers and young football enthusiasts are associated with the tournament in various capacities.
The group-stage matches were hosted by the Lohit, Lower Subansiri, Siang and Papum Pare district football associations.
Ajay appealed to football enthusiasts to turn up at the stadium and support the participating teams.
The Arunachal Pradesh Football Association will provide both online and offline ticketing facilities. Ticket prices will be announced later through its official platforms.
