Seppa, Apr 8: The tenth edition of the Rasho Yangda memorial football tournament kicked off at Seppa, with Namsai MLA Chau Zignu Namchoom, inaugurating the event.
Organised by the East Kameng Middle Zone Students’ Union (EKMZSU) as part of its 28th Foundation Day, the tournament pays tribute to its founding president while promoting youth development through sports and community engagement.
Twelve teams, named after river systems in the region, will compete in the tournament, which runs alongside the second Young Rebe memorial volleyball tournaments for boys and girls.
The finale is scheduled for April 14.
Addressing the occasion, Namchoom praised EKMZSU for honoring Rasho Yangda through a youth-centric sports initiative.
“The government is committed to the welfare of the youth, who are the backbone of society,” he said, while urging young people to stay focused, act responsibly, and utilise government schemes to build careers in sectors like agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, and cooperatives.
Namchoom also applauded the East Kameng Social Welfare and Cultural Organization (EKSWCO) for supporting government programs and setting an example with its social audit initiative.
Responding to a memorandum from EKMZSU regarding a new approach road to their office, he assured that the proposal has been forwarded and encouraged follow-up.
EKSWCO chairperson Raya Flago in his address, encouraged EKMZSU to lead by example and support local welfare efforts. He urged players to treat the tournament as a platform to sharpen their skills and aspire to represent the state or nation in the future.
“Play with discipline, avoid drugs, and become responsible citizens,” he emphasised.
Former AAPSU vice-president Meje Taku in his deliberations, described Yangda as a visionary leader whose legacy continues to inspire. He encouraged youth to view sports as a serious career path.
Kameng Yangda, younger brother of the late leader, expressed deep gratitude to the EKMZSU for commemorating his brother annually with such respect and scale.
EKMZSU president Sichi Sangdo, in his presidential address, hailed Yangda as a strong and vibrant leader who laid the foundation for the union’s ideals and direction.
Earlier in the day, EKSWCO general secretary Kasung Cheda unveiled a bust of Yangda and inaugurated the newly renovated Rasho Yangda memorial EKMZSU office, joined by Atung Taku and Takar Yangda, chairman of Loffa Welfare Society.
Tournament Organizing chairman Vijay Tayem, said the tournament aims to foster sportsmanship, leadership, and healthy living among the youth while remembering the contributions of past leaders.
In the opening football match, AEKDSU triumphed over ABKLSU by a margin of 4–0 goals.
The event was attended by circle officers, BJP district president Moik Bagang, East Kameng unit of ANYA president Ramesh Taku, student leaders from AAPSU, ANSU, and AEKDSU, among others.
