PASIGHAT, Aug 28: As part of National Sports Day 2026, the Arunachal Pradesh University (APU) commenced its three-day ‘Futsal Fiesta’ at the PJ Arena here today.
The inaugural match saw the Department of Tribal Studies edge out the Dept of Commerce 3-2, with Dine Yirang scoring a brace for the winners.
National Sports Day is observed every year on August 29 to mark the birth anniversary of hockey wizard Major Dhyan Chand. This year’s celebration, organised under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports’ Fit India Movement, carries the theme ‘Khelega Bharat, Jeetega Bharat’ and the call to action ‘Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein’, urging citizens to devote at least one hour daily to physical activity.
Governor Lt General (Retd) K T Parnaik, who is also the APU Chancellor, urged universities across the State to organise sporting activities in line with the initiative.
Ahead of the opening match, Dr Yab Rajiv Camdir, Chairman of the Sports and Cultural Committee, APU, said the Futsal Fiesta reflected the university's commitment to building a culture of fitness and camaraderie among students.
Dr Tarh Ramiya, Assistant Professor (Tribal Studies), addressed players and students before the first match, urging them to play fairly, maintain discipline and uphold the spirit of peaceful competition. He said sports should serve to unite students and build a positive atmosphere on campus.
The Futsal Fiesta will continue until August 30 with departmental fixtures for both boys and girls. The tournament carries the spirit of National Sports Day: Play, Unite and Celebrate.