In a significant move to nurture grassroots football talent in Arunachal Pradesh, 70 promising young athletes (boys and girls) were scouted from the 8th Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy 2025, held at Pasighat. This initiative was led by the NE Sports Foundation in collaboration with Prithvi Sports & Event, and with the active support of the Department of Sports, Government of Arunachal Pradesh.
From the scouted pool, six outstanding players have been selected for a three-month residential scholarship programme at Juntos Football Academy, Bangalore, while others have progressed to development camps and trials at leading football academies in the region.
Selected for 3-Month Scholarship at Juntos Football Academy, Bangalore:
Kalen Mize – East Siang
Panam Tasung – East Siang
Mohan Boni – East Siang
Gida Gagun – Kra Daadi
Hanu Tari – Siang
Sanju Bori – East Siang
Juntos Football Academy is a premier residential training center in Bangalore offering elite football education using modern coaching methodologies, video analysis, and exposure to national-level youth competitions. The selected players will receive 30–60% scholarships, access to a high-performance training environment, and participate in fitness tracking and tactical refinement sessions.
Development Trials at Hawk Football Academy and PFR Academy:
A group of seven boys is currently undergoing a 4-day residential development camp at Hawk Football Academy, Assam, accompanied by Coach Shri Izan Pul (Lohit District):
Mabo Toma – East Kameng
Nabam Tamar – Kra Daadi
Agam Thalai – Lohit
Meye Maying – Upper Subansiri
Mitimso Krong – Lohit
Edyamso Pul – Lohit
Vivinso Pul – Lohit
Hawk Football Academy, an AIFF-registered academy, competes in the Assam State Premier League (ASPL) and offers a clear career pathway for talented players. Outstanding performers will be officially registered for:
AIFF Youth Leagues
State and national team selections
Trials with larger clubs and academies
Some may even get the chance to train in Europe or the UK, and potentially earn professional contracts.
Development Trials for Girls at PFR Academy, Shillong:
Seven girls, accompanied by Coach Roshni Ramching, have left for Hawk Football Academy to participate in trials for PFR Academy, Shillong , a prestigious training institution known for its certified coaches and programs for both boys and girls.
| S.N. | Name | District |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Niara Singkhom | Upper Subansiri |
| 2 | Dana Gandhi | Capital Complex |
| 3 | Anjapi Molo | Dibang Valley |
| 4 | Dechin Yangton | Tawang |
| 5 | Yeshi Lhamu | Tawang |
| 6 | Rinchin Drema | Tawang |
Six more girls from Lohit and Anjaw districts are expected to join the Guwahati camp soon. The 4-day development camp includes:
Fully residential program (Food + Accommodation)
3 hours of technical training daily
2 hours of classroom sessions on tactics, mindset, and game analysis
Elite drills, match practice, and performance feedback
Training under certified coaches and guest mentors
Building Pathways for Football Careers in Arunachal
This initiative marks a major step forward in the sporting development of Arunachal Pradesh. By connecting grassroots players to elite football academies, the program lays down a structured pathway for talent development, allowing promising athletes to compete at the state, national, and even international levels.
The Department of Sports, North East Sports Foundation, and Prithvi Sports & Event reaffirm their commitment to providing young footballers with opportunities that match their potential, with a vision to inspire more youth across the state to pursue football professionally.