Haipou Jadonang Football Tournament, Pune
Introduction
Haipou Jadonang (1905-1931) was a visionary leader, and freedom fighter from India’s North East. Born in Puiluan Village, Tamenglong Dist, Manipur, he devoted his short but remarkable life to the upliftment of his people and to India’s broader struggle for freedom from British colonial rule. Guided by deep faith, moral conviction, and love for his land, he envisioned a society founded on equality, justice, and self-determination.
Recognized by the Government of India as one of the unsung heroes of India’s freedom movement, Haipou Jadonang’s ideals transcend regional and community boundaries. His life continues to inspire unity, courage, and service — values that remain vital for building a harmonious and progressive India.
Objectives
The Haipou Jadonang Football Tournament, Pune, organized by the Jadonang Football Tournament Committee in collaboration with the Zeliangrong Students’ Union, Pune (ZSUP), seeks to promote sportsmanship, youth leadership, and cultural harmony through football. The key objectives of the tournament are:
- To honour and commemorate the life and ideals of Haipou Jadonang, a revered freedom fighter and visionary leader.
- To foster unity and friendship among youth, particularly from the North Eastern states, residing in Pune and nearby regions.
- To encourage healthy living and community spirit through active participation in sports.
- To identify and nurture football talent within the youth community.
- To promote cultural understanding and cooperation among diverse communities through sports and shared values.
Current Scope
At present, the Haipou Jadonang Football Tournament, Pune is open primarily to football players and teams hailing from the North Eastern states of India who are currently residing in Pune and surrounding areas.
The tournament serves as a vibrant platform for youth from Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, and Sikkim to come together in the spirit of unity, competition, and friendship. Beyond the matches, the event fosters brotherhood and inclusiveness among participants — reflecting the shared spirit of the North East and its contribution to India’s sporting and cultural identity.
Vision
The tournament envisions becoming more than a sporting event — a movement that embodies the spirit of unity, courage, and youth empowerment. It strives to:
- Inspire youth through the legacy of Haipou Jadonang’s life and values.
- Promote peace, discipline, and teamwork among the younger generation.
- Encourage intercultural understanding and cooperation among all communities in Pune and beyond.
In doing so, it upholds India’s enduring principle of “Unity in Diversity.”
Future Scope
With continued support from community members, sponsors, and well-wishers, the Haipou Jadonang Football Tournament, Pune aspires to grow into a larger and nationally recognized sporting event.
- Expanding the tournament’s reach to include teams from across India.
- Creating a youth football development platform that identifies and mentors emerging talents.
- Organizing cultural and leadership programs alongside the tournament to promote holistic youth growth.
- Establishing an annual sports fellowship or award in honour of Haipou Jadonang to recognize exemplary players and leaders.
Through this vision, the organizing committee aims to continue Haipou Jadonang’s legacy — inspiring generations to rise with courage, unity, and purpose for the greater good of the nation.