Football fever is very much alive in Arunachal Pradesh right now — and the 21st Tadar Tang State-Level Football Championship is proving to be exactly the kind of tournament that reminds you why the beautiful game matters so much in the hills.
On Tuesday, September 1, the most dominant result of the day came from Pasighat, where East Siang put on a commanding performance, dismantling Upper Siang 6-0 in their Group D fixture. Six goals. Zero reply. It wasn’t just a win — it was a statement. East Siang looked sharper, fitter, and simply hungrier on the day, and Upper Siang had no answer for the relentless pressure.
The Group D action didn’t end there. In the second match at Pasighat, Lower Siang kept their momentum rolling, edging past West Siang 2-1 in what turned out to be a much tighter contest. Lower Siang have now made it clear they’re one of the teams to watch in this tournament. Having already beaten Upper Siang 4-1 on the opening day, they’re building a rhythm that could carry them deep into the competition.
Meanwhile, over in Tezu, Group B served up some solid football of its own. Anjaw got the job done against Lower Dibang Valley, winning 2-0 in a disciplined and controlled performance. Right after, Kamle came out with a sharp 3-1 victory over Pakke-Kessang — three goals that suggest Kamle aren’t here to make up the numbers.
Up at Yupia, Group A had a different story to tell. Kurung Kumey and Kra Daadi went head-to-head and neither side could find a winner, settling for a goalless draw. It’s the kind of result that keeps both teams alive but satisfied nobody — you could sense both dressing rooms would’ve wanted more.
The 21st edition of the Tadar Tang Championship, named after the legendary Tadar Tang — one of Arunachal Pradesh’s most celebrated footballers — has drawn 27 teams this year, including the Arunachal Pradesh Police Sports Control Board. Spread across multiple venues in four groups, the tournament has been delivering some real drama since its zonal rounds kicked off on August 30. Changlang had already turned heads after hammering APPSCB 8-2, while Namsai put four past West Kameng without reply — so the competitive bar has been set high.
What makes this championship special isn’t just the football. It’s the way it pulls together districts from across the state onto the same pitch, giving young players exposure and regional pride a reason to shine. Every goal scored at Pasighat, Tezu, or Yupia echoes a little louder because of what this tournament represents — community, sport, and the relentless spirit of Arunachal Pradesh.
The matches will keep coming, and with teams like East Siang, Lower Siang, Changlang, and Kamle already showing their class, the knockout stages promise to be something worth watching closely. In a state where football is more than just a game — it’s identity — the Tadar Tang Championship is delivering exactly what the fans came for.
