They came, they played, and they delivered. The young footballers from Independence Golden Jubilee Government Higher Secondary School (IGJGHSS), Pasighat, have put Arunachal Pradesh firmly on the national football map after booking their spot in the quarterfinals of the prestigious 65th Subroto Cup International Football Tournament 2026 in New Delhi.
A Group Stage to Remember
Representing the state in the girls’ U-17 category, the IGJGHSS side navigated Pool A with two wins and a draw — a campaign that showed not just raw talent, but composure beyond their years. Their tournament opener on August 18 set the tone right away: a commanding 3-0 demolition of Sainik School, with Kayom Modi bagging a brace and Gena Jamoh adding the third. Two days later, they were just as ruthless against Goa — another 3-0 win, Gena Jamoh again on the scoresheet twice, and Yami Mize chipping in with one. Clean sheets, confident football, and goals to spare. Not bad for a team from the hills.
The Final Group Game — Heart in the Mouth
Their final group match against Uttar Pradesh on Friday was a different kind of test. A 2-2 draw isn’t always a comfortable result, but in this case, it was enough. Mary Taga and Gena Jamoh scored for Arunachal, and the team held their nerve when it mattered. Gena Jamoh, in particular, has been the standout performer of the group stage — her name keeps showing up on the scoresheet, and that’s no coincidence. She’s been the engine of this attack.
The Big One: Assam Awaits
The quarterfinal on August 23 is expected to be an all-northeastern clash — Arunachal taking on Assam. That’s the kind of fixture that goes beyond football. There’s pride, bragging rights, and the sheer love of the game wrapped into ninety minutes. Coach Minto Peyang and manager Anjipu Darang will have their work cut out preparing the squad, but given the form they’ve shown, it would be foolish to write them off.
A Stage Worth Every Moment
The 65th Subroto Cup, held at the iconic BR Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi, is one of the oldest and most celebrated school football tournaments in Asia. Having a team from Arunachal Pradesh in the last eight of this tournament isn’t a small thing — it’s a statement. These girls, many from remote corners of the state, are playing football that deserves every bit of attention it gets.
Arunachal Pradesh has talent waiting to be seen. This team is proving it, one goal at a time.
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