Hornbill News

  DHAKA/ITANAGAR, July 20: Arunachal Pradesh's karate contingent delivered an outstanding performance at the South Asian Senior Karate Championships 2026 held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, with athletes bringing home three medals for India and making the state proud on the international stage. Johny Mangkhya emerged as one of the standout performers, winning two silver medals in the prestigious championship through a series of impressive performances against top competitors from across South Asia. Adding to the state's success, Khyoda Talik clinched the Team Kata Gold Medal, registering a remarkable achievement and further highlighting Arunachal Pradesh's growing stature in the sport. Congratulating the medal winners, Chief Minister Pema Khandu hailed their achievements and said the success reflects the impact of the Chief Minister's Athlete Coaching and Empowerment Scheme (CM ACES), which aims to nurture and support talented athletes from the state. "This is what happens ...

  COLOMBO/ITANAGAR, July 18: Arunachal Pradesh's Sonam Zomba has etched her name in history by becoming the first-ever Karma Fight League (KFL) World Strawweight Champion, defeating Sri Lanka's Chathuri Siriwardana by unanimous decision in the main event of KFL 8 held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on July 18. Hailing from Tawang, Zomba produced a composed and technically superior performance against the home favourite to secure the prestigious world title.  The victory marks another major milestone in her career, coming just months after she successfully defended her Matrix Fight Night (MFN) Women's Strawweight Championship.  The championship bout underwent a last-minute change. Sonam was originally scheduled to face Pakistan's Bushra Akhtar for the inaugural KFL World Strawweight Championship, but Chathuri Siriwardana stepped in as the replacement opponent.  Zomba went on to dominate the contest and claimed the title by unanimous decision.  Following her victory, Arun...

  DHAKA/ITANAGAR, July 19: Yomter Taso of Lower Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh, has brought glory to the state and the nation by winning the gold medal in the Junior Female Individual Kumite (-42 kg) category at the 10th South Asian Karate Championship held in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Representing India, Yomter delivered a commanding performance to secure the top podium finish at one of South Asia's most prestigious karate events, which featured top athletes from across the region.  The championship included competitions in the Cadet, Junior, Under-21 and Senior divisions and was held alongside the 2nd Under-14 South Asia Karate Cup and the AKF Referee and Coaches Course & Examination. Her remarkable achievement has been widely appreciated, with 36 Nari-Koyu MLA Tojir Kadu extending his heartfelt congratulations to the young karateka. Describing the victory as a proud moment for Lower Siang district and Arunachal Pradesh, Kadu said Yomter's dedication, discipline and fighting...

  PUNE/ITANAGAR, Jul 10:  Arunachal Pradesh's taekwondo ace Miss Rupa Bayor has once again brought laurels to the state by winning the gold medal in the Under-30 Recognised Poomsae category at the 5th Senior Taekwondo Poomsae National Championship 2026.  The Championship is being held from July 8 to 11 at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex (Balewadi Stadium) in Pune, Maharashtra. The championship has brought together some of the country's finest poomsae athletes, with competitors vying for national honours and a place in the Indian team for upcoming international events. With her gold medal victory, Rupa has earned the opportunity to represent India at the 2026 World Taekwondo Poomsae Championship in Korea, adding another milestone to her already impressive sporting career. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein congratulated Rupa Bayor on her remarkable achievement, praising her dedication and perseverance.  He said her success has made Arunachal Pradesh proud and...

  Laki Weshi Sangno with East KamengDC Yashaswini B SEPPA, July 8:  Deputy Commissioner of East Kameng, Ms. Yashaswini B, IAS, on Wednesday felicitated professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter Laki Weshi Sangno with a Commendation Certificate at her office chamber in Seppa. A native of Weshi Village under Pakoti Circle in East Kameng district, Laki Weshi Sangno is the son of Smti. Nani Weshi Sangno and Late Darmang Weshi Sangno.  Over the years, he has established himself as one of the country's most accomplished MMA athletes through a series of impressive performances at the state, national and international levels. His achievements include a silver medal at the Jarbom Gamlin State-Level Boxing Championship in 2018, gold and bronze medals at the National Championships in 2021, a silver medal at the National Championships in 2022, and a silver medal at the Asian MMA Championship the same year. In 2023, he added a bronze medal at the World Championship to his growing ...

  ITANAGAR, July 3: The Arunachal Pradesh Rifle Association (APRA) will organise the 7th State Shooting Championship 2026 on July 11 and 12 at the HIM International School Shooting Range in Julang, Itanagar.  The two-day championship will bring together registered shooters from district rifle associations across Arunachal Pradesh, providing a competitive platform to showcase their marksmanship and qualify for higher-level competitions. According to a press release issued by APRA, registrations for the championship opened on July 1 and will continue until July 9. Eligible shooters affiliated with registered district units have been invited to participate in the event. The championship will feature competitions in the 10-metre Air Rifle and 10-metre Air Pistol disciplines for both men and women. Events will be conducted across youth, junior and senior categories, allowing shooters from different age groups to compete under standard competitive formats. To ensure the smooth condu...

  ITANAGAR, June 27:  Arunachal Pradesh's mixed martial arts (MMA) fraternity has achieved a historic milestone as East Kameng's Wayshi Sangno became the first fighter from the state to register a professional MMA victory in Indonesia. Representing India at Canggu Fight Night 39, Sangno delivered an impressive performance by defeating Indonesia's Namr Arad via first-round technical knockout (TKO) in the strawweight division. The victory marks a significant achievement not only in his professional career but also for the growing MMA landscape of Arunachal Pradesh. Sangno asserted his dominance from the opening moments of the contest. He quickly took control by lifting Arad and slamming him onto the canvas before unleashing a relentless barrage of ground-and-pound strikes. His aggressive approach left the Indonesian fighter struggling to regain momentum. Despite Arad's determined attempts to reverse the fight with two guillotine choke submissions from the bottom position,...

  Boys Football Winner Team Papum Pare and  The Girls Football Winner Team East Kameng. Aalo, May 25: The State Level Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy 2026 concluded with thrilling finals in football and volleyball, highlighting the growing sporting talent and competitive spirit among youths from across Arunachal Pradesh. In the much-anticipated Boys’ Football Final, Papum Pare defeated Lower Siang in a dramatic penalty shootout after both teams remained locked 1–1 during regular time. Papum Pare eventually emerged victorious 4–3 in the shootout to lift the championship trophy. Papum Pare received a cash prize of Rs 2,00,000 along with trophies, medals and certificates, while runners-up Lower Siang received Rs 1,00,000. Tai Raju of Papum Pare, wearing Jersey No. 5, was adjudged the Best Player in Boys’ Football and awarded Rs 15,000. In the Girls’ Football Final, East Kameng emerged champions after defeating Namsai 3–1 in an exciting contest. Sonia Rangmo (Jersey No. 15) opened th...

  Aalo, May 20: In an effort to promote environmental sustainability and reduce plastic waste during the 9th Edition of the Hangpan Dada Memorial Trophy (HDMT) 2026 at Aalo, the Organising Committee has launched a special eco-friendly initiative aimed at minimising littering across all tournament venues. As part of the initiative, reusable water sippers have been provided to all delegates, officials, team members, and participants associated with the tournament. The committee has urged everyone attending the event to avoid the use of packaged drinking water bottles and instead make use of the reusable sippers distributed by the organisers. To support the initiative and ensure easy access to safe drinking water, dedicated water refill stations have been set up at all match venues, grounds, and key locations within the tournament premises. The arrangement has been made to provide convenience to players, coaches, officials, volunteers, and other attendees throughout the duration of th...

  Itanagar, May 19: Arunachal Pradesh’s ace taekwondo player Rupa Bayor has brought pride to the nation after qualifying to represent India at the 2026 Asian Games and securing a Bronze medal at the 2026 Asian Taekwondo Poomsae Championships. With this remarkable achievement, Rupa has become the first Indian athlete to win medals in two consecutive editions of the Asian Taekwondo Championships, scripting a historic milestone for Indian taekwondo. Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein have lauded Rupa Bayor for her exceptional achievement, describing her success as a proud moment for Arunachal Pradesh and the nation.  They praised her dedication, discipline, and perseverance, stating that her accomplishment reflects the immense sporting potential of the state’s youth. Rupa’s journey from Arunachal Pradesh to the continental stage reflects the immense potential and determination of young Indian athletes.  As she now prepares to represent the count...

Itanagar, May 18: In a landmark achievement for sports in Arunachal Pradesh, cyclist and coach Rubi Lombo from Anini in Dibang Valley district has created history by becoming the first Mountain Bike (MTB) coach from the state and the only female coach from Arunachal Pradesh to be selected by the Sports Authority of India for Team India at the upcoming Asian Mountain Bike Championships 2026 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Her selection marks a proud moment not only for Arunachal Pradesh but also for the entire Northeast region, highlighting the growing presence of women and athletes from the frontier states in international cycling and sports coaching. Congratulating Rubi Lombo on her historic achievement, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu extended his best wishes to her and Team India for the prestigious continental championship. The Chief Minister stated that her accomplishment reflects dedication, perseverance, and the rising sporting talent emerging from Arunachal Pradesh. He ex...

  Itanagar, May 10: Arunachal Pradesh weightlifter Charu Pesi is set to represent India at the prestigious 2026 Asian Senior Weightlifting Championships being held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from May 11 to 17. The international championship features participation from 172 athletes representing 28 countries across Asia. Pesi earned his place in the Indian contingent following a series of outstanding performances at both national and international levels. Recently, he brought glory to the country by clinching the gold medal at the Universal Weightlifting Cup held in Apia, Samoa, from April 25 to 30, competing in the 65 kg weight category. Displaying remarkable strength and consistency, Charu lifted 127 kg in the snatch and an impressive 162 kg in the clean and jerk to secure the top position in the tournament. Notably, Charu Pesi is the only athlete from Arunachal Pradesh selected to participate in the Asian Senior Championships, marking a proud moment for the state’s sporting communit...

  Itanagar, April 29: Chera Loku delivered an impressive performance at the 5th World Taijiquan Championships held in Burgas, winning a silver medal while competing against top athletes from 38 countries. Competing in a highly competitive field, Loku showcased exceptional control, precision, and technique in Taijiquan, earning her a podium finish at one of the sport’s premier international events. Her performance stands out as a significant achievement for Indian Wushu, reflecting both her individual dedication and the steady rise of the discipline in the country. The championship, organized under the aegis of the International Wushu Federation, was held from April 23 to 30, 2026, with core competitions conducted between April 26 and 29. The event brought together elite Taijiquan practitioners from around the world, featuring multiple disciplines and categories that tested athletes on technical precision, balance, and artistic expression. The achievement has brought recognition to ...

  Moscow, April 21: Arunachal Wushu Athletes Win Five Silvers in Moscow; Qualify for Asian Games Trials Arunachal Pradesh’s wushu athletes delivered a commendable performance at the International Wushu Championship held in Moscow, securing a total of five silver medals and earning praise from leaders across the state. Nyeman Wangsu clinched three silver medals in the Changquan, Daoshu, and Gunshu events, while Mercy Ngaimong secured two silver medals in Jianshu and Qiangshu, reflecting their consistency and high level of skill on the international stage. State Home Minister Mama Natung congratulated both athletes for their outstanding achievements, stating that their discipline, dedication, and commitment to excellence have brought immense pride to Arunachal Pradesh. He further expressed satisfaction that both athletes have successfully cleared the preliminary trials for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan.  Extending his best wishes, he hoped for their final selection in June a...

  Itanagar, April 21: Arunachal Pradesh’s para badminton player Biri Takar delivered an outstanding performance at the Czech Para Badminton International 2026, securing two gold medals and one bronze. Takar won gold in the Men’s Singles SL4 category and gold in the Men’s Doubles SL3–SU5 category, along with a bronze medal in the Mixed Doubles SL3–SU5 category, marking a significant achievement on the international stage. Following his victory, Takar expressed gratitude to his coaches, doubles partners Joao and Sofia, and multiple supporting institutions, including the Department of Sports Arunachal Pradesh, GoSports Foundation, MyGov Arunachal Pradesh, and CBM India. He also acknowledged the guidance of national head coach Gaurav Khanna and support from organizations such as the Paralympic Association of Arunachal, Arunachal State Para Badminton Association, Sports Authority of Arunachal, and the Badminton Association of India. Takar dedicated his success to his family in Arunachal...

  Itanagar, April 16: In a significant milestone for football in Arunachal Pradesh, Sangam Kayang has been appointed as a Match Official for the I-League 3 matches to be held in Imphal. With this achievement, Kayang becomes the first referee from the state to officiate at this level of national competition. The appointment marks a proud moment not only for the individual but also for the sporting community of Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting the growing presence of talent from the region in Indian football. Kipa Ajay, Treasurer of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), extended his congratulations, acknowledging Kayang’s dedication and perseverance. He noted that this accomplishment is a testament to Kayang’s hard work and passion for the sport, and expressed confidence that his journey will inspire many aspiring referees from the state. Kayang’s selection is being seen as a step forward for football development in the Northeast, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh, where increasin...

  Itanagar, April 13: Arunachal Pradesh athletes were accorded a warm reception and felicitated by the state government following their commendable performance at the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026, marking a proud moment for the state’s sporting community. The flag-in and felicitation ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, along with Member of Parliament Tapir Gao, Secretary Sports & Youth Affairs Abu Tayeng, and other dignitaries. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister praised the athletes for their dedication, discipline, and resilience, stating that their achievements reflect the immense potential of the state’s youth. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to providing better infrastructure, training facilities, and opportunities to nurture sporting talent across Arunachal Pradesh. The state contingent delivered an outstanding performance, securing a total of 11 medals, including 6 gold, 1 silver, and 4 bronze. With this achievement, Arunachal Pr...

  Itanagar, April 12: Arunachal Pradesh brought pride to the nation as three of its ju-jitsu athletes, representing India, delivered an exceptional performance at the 3rd South Asian Ju-Jitsu Championship 2026, which concluded in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Sunday. The athletes not only secured three gold medals but also added multiple silver medals to India’s tally, showcasing remarkable skill, discipline, and versatility across categories. Langkung Duta Bulang, Langkung Adam, and Byabang Bhupai emerged as the standout performers, each clinching a gold medal in their respective events. Bulang secured gold in newaza under the men’s below 62 kg category, while Adam claimed gold in the fighting system under the women’s below 48 kg category. Bhupai added to the golden success by winning the fighting system event in the men’s below 52 kg category. In addition to their gold medal triumphs, all three athletes demonstrated consistent excellence by also winning silver medals in alternate format...

  Tawang, April 10: Chief Minister Pema Khandu visited the ongoing Winter Adventure Tawang 2026 training programme at Panga Teng Tso Lake, where he interacted with trainees and reviewed preparations aimed at promoting winter sports in Arunachal Pradesh. During his visit, the Chief Minister spent time engaging with participants undergoing skiing and snowboarding training, encouraging them to pursue winter sports professionally. The training programme, set against the snow-covered landscape of Panga Teng Tso, is being conducted under expert supervision, providing participants with exposure to modern techniques and safety practices. A total of 46 trainees are currently part of the programme, receiving structured coaching under the guidance of the SkiMo India Federation. The initiative is focused on nurturing local talent and equipping youth with the skills needed to compete at national and international levels. Officials associated with the programme informed that National Winter Spor...

  Itanagar, April 3: In a landmark achievement for Indian sports, Arunachal Pradesh’s Rupa Bayor has become the first Indian athlete to attain World Taekwondo (WT) World Ranking No. 5, marking a significant milestone in the country’s taekwondo journey. Earlier this year, Bayor had already scripted history by becoming the first Indian taekwondo athlete to achieve World Rank No. 6 and Asia Rank No. 1 in recognised poomsae rankings, underlining her rapid rise on the global stage. Hailing from Sippi village in Arunachal Pradesh, her journey from entering the world rankings at No. 123 in 2021 to breaking into the elite top 5 reflects exceptional grit, discipline, and consistency. Training at the Indo-Korean Taekwondo Academy in Mumbai under coach Abhishek Dubey, Bayor has delivered multiple medal-winning performances at international events. Chief Minister Pema Khandu congratulated her on the historic feat, calling it a proud moment for the nation and a testament to her relentless hard ...