Itanagar, March 23, 2025
More than 280 young footballers from Arunachal Pradesh celebrated a milestone on Friday as they received certificates for completing an intensive week-long training program organized by the Baichung Bhutia Football School (BBFS) from Sikkim. The initiative, held in collaboration with Mebo MLA Oken Tayeng, concluded with several standout players earning a coveted spot in the final trial session set to take place in Meghalaya.
The training camp, which ran from March 14 to March 21, brought together aspiring athletes from across the state, including participants from Doimukh in Papum Pare district. Guided by former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia and his BBFS team, the program aimed to identify and nurture grassroots talent. The Kiyit village playground in Mebo Sub-Division served as the hub for this ambitious effort, offering a platform for boys and girls aged 13 to 19 to showcase their skills.
MLA Oken Tayeng, the driving force behind the camp, hailed it as a game-changer for Arunachal’s youth. “This is about giving our kids a shot at their dreams while keeping them engaged in positive activities,” he said, noting that all training equipment, jerseys, and meals were provided through his sponsorship. The initiative has also garnered praise from state leaders, with Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona calling it a vital step toward building a stronger sports culture in the region.
For the selected players, the journey continues in Meghalaya, where they will compete in trials that could open doors to advanced training and greater recognition. Bhutia, a football icon, expressed optimism about the talent pool, urging the trainees to stay disciplined and dedicated. “This is just the beginning for many of these kids,” he said during the certificate ceremony.
The program underscores Arunachal Pradesh’s growing focus on sports development, with leaders like Chief Minister Pema Khandu, President of the Arunachal Football Association, championing such efforts. As the selected footballers prepare for Meghalaya, the state looks forward to seeing its next generation of stars emerge on a bigger stage.
