The second edition of the Pangolin Cup kicks off in Meluri to combine football with pangolin conservation awareness.
DIMAPUR — The second edition of the Pangolin Cup 2026 was inaugurated at the Meluri local ground on Monday, bringing together sports and wildlife conservation to mobilise community support for the protection of pangolins.
The tournament is organised by the Meluri Range Sports Association in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Eight local football teams are competing in the tournament, scheduled from October 26 to the 30th.
According to an update, the initiative is supported by the Pangolin Crisis Fund under the Wildlife Conservation Network and the Serenity Trust as part of WTI’s ‘Countering Pangolin Trafficking’ project, which focuses on tackling illegal trade in Manipur and Nagaland.
Addressing the gathering, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Meluri Shelly Katiry highlighted the importance of maintaining ecological balance and protecting wildlife, noting that the event provides an effective platform to promote environmental awareness alongside sports.
Keynote speaker Sunil Kyarong, Joint Director of WTI, spoke on “Communities as Partners in Conservation", underlining the essential role of local communities in protecting wildlife. He noted that WTI has worked with communities across the Northeast for 25 years, drawing lessons from conservation initiatives such as the protection of the Amur falcon in Nagaland.
Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Meluri Dr. T Desela Sangtam noted that the tournament brings people together through teamwork and collective efforts towards pangolin conservation, urging players to uphold discipline and participate in the true spirit of sportsmanship.
Wildlife Warden of Kiphire, Siechutho Katiry, pointed out the growing risk of pangolins disappearing and called for collective action. Drawing parallels between football and conservation, he stressed the value of teamwork and shared responsibility, calling upon younger generations to reconnect with traditional conservation values.
He stated that while pangolins were traditionally left undisturbed due to ancestral beliefs, illegal wildlife trade has placed the species under threat, necessitating renewed cultural and conservation commitments.
General Secretary of the Pochury Hoho Sierhosie Kajiri addressed the gathering on community conservation resolutions. He highlighted that over 30 Pochury villages have adopted resolutions banning pangolin hunting, imposing an INR 50,000 fine on offenders involved in hunting or illegal trade.
Earlier, delivering the welcome address, Meluri Range Sports Association President Sathosie Nyuwi outlined the community objectives, while Chingrisoror Rumthao of WTI introduced the tournament and its conservation goals.
The inaugural event concluded with an oath-taking ceremony and the official kick-off, followed by the opening match between Royals FC and Knight Riders Club.