NAMSAI, Jan 27: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein launched the Indrajit Namchoom Arunachal League 2020 at a glittering function held at Multipurpose Cultural hall here on Sunday.
The football league is being organized in memory of legendary footballer of yesteryears, Indrajit Namchoom, who was also popularly known as ‘Pathfinder in Sports’.
The Dy CM, who is also the Chief Patron of the INAL, said that though late but the Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA) has recognized legendary footballer’s contributions on the occasion of 71st Republic Day. The formal kick off of the league is scheduled for 12th February next at Sangay Lhaden Sports Academy, Chimpu, he added.
Mein appealed to Union MoS (independent) Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju to sanction one out of 12 “sanctioned” football stadiums at Namsai to be named after Late Indrajit Namchoom.
Mein exuded confidence that provided such sporting facility comes up, the area can still produce more such sporting figures for national as well as international levels.
During the launch, the eldest son of Late Indrajit Namchoom, Dr Anand Namchoom was present along with his extended family.
A short promo for the league was also screened on the occasion.
Former teammates and friends of Indrajit Namchoom were also present to witness the historic occasion.
Secretary APFA Kipa Ajay and president of Namsai District Football Association Chow Mahajini Choupoo also spoke.
The champions trophy and official ball for the league were also launched at the ceremony.
Earlier, APFA members also felicitated the family members of Late Indrajit Namchoom.
Later, the members of APFA led by its Secretary Kipa Ajay presented a jersey bearing no 7 to Dr Anand Namchoom. Jersey No 7 was adorned by Anand’s father during two international championship held in Saigon (Vietnam) and Malaysia in 1964.
Also, an exhibition match was played between the Dy CM XI and APFA XI, where Dr Anand also took part.