Likabali, Aug 27: The district level U-17 sports meet 2024 kicked off at Chidu-Chigo ground in Likabali in Lower Siang district on Tuesday.
Several teams from various schools of the district are participating in the sports meet being organised by the Education department.
In the inaugural match of the boys’ category, Likabali government higher secondary school defeated Lipu government secondary school by 4-2 goals in a penalty shootout, after the match ended in a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
In the girls' category, Likabali government higher secondary school defeated Liru government secondary school by 1-0 goal.
Earlier, Galo Youth Organization president Bomkar Gara, who attended the opening ceremony as the chief guest, emphasized the importance of promoting games and sports for all-round development of children in schools. He also highlighted that sports can lead to physical fitness and employment opportunities.
Gara praised the education department for organizing the football tournament and encouraged the participants to excel in their respective sports.
All Lower Siang District Students’ Union president Tom Taju advised the participating teams to embody the true spirit of sportsmanship, saying, "The trophy carries dust, but memories last forever."
Taju also cautioned young students against the influence of drugs.
Lower Siang district sports coordinator of the DDSE office Monya Dini said the sports meet in its second edition aimed at providing a platform to discover budding sports talent and promote them in state and national arenas.