Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma inaugurated the 15th High Powered Committee (HPC) Cup 2026 at C. Thuamluaia Mual in Lunglei, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to promoting sports, youth development and infrastructure in southern Mizoram.The football tournament, organised by the Lunglei District Football Association (LDFA) and sponsored by the Lunglei High Powered Committee (HPC), is one of the state’s most prominent grassroots sporting events.Addressing the gathering, Lalduhoma said Lunglei has long been recognised as a centre of sporting excellence and has produced many outstanding footballers who have represented Mizoram and India. He noted that 13 of the nearly 68 Mizo players currently featuring in the Indian Super League and I-League are from Lunglei, attributing the district’s success to the efforts of the Lunglei District Football Association and the HPC Cup.
The Chief Minister said the tournament, launched in 2011, has become an important platform for identifying young football talent. Despite a break during the COVID-19 pandemic, the competition has consistently helped nurture players who later progressed to age-group state teams and professional football.Highlighting the government’s support, he said the annual HPC District Fund had been increased from Rs 5 crore to Rs 7 crore, while the budget for the HPC Cup had been raised from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 8 lakh. He also outlined several sports promotion initiatives undertaken by the HPC, including international boxing events, badminton, basketball, volleyball, arm wrestling and youth music competitions. Lalduhoma also announced a series of infrastructure projects for Lunglei. These include a Rs 3-crore multi-level parking facility near C. Thuamluaia Mual, installation of floodlights at the ground under the SASCI 2026-27 Priority Project with an allocation of Rs 5 crore, and the construction of improved toilets and dressing rooms using HPC funds.
The Chief Minister provided updates on several major development projects, including the proposed upgradation of the Aizawl-Thenzawl road to National Highway status, the Greater Lunglei Water Supply Scheme, civic infrastructure under the Urban Infrastructure Development Fund, and ongoing work related to Mizoram Engineering College at Pukpui and the proposed Mizoram State University campus in Lunglei. He said the government would continue investing in sports infrastructure and training programmes to help talented youth pursue professional careers. He urged young players to remain disciplined and work hard while encouraging parents to involve their children in sports as a means of promoting healthy lifestyles and keeping them away from drug abuse. The inaugural programme was attended by Lunglei HPC Vice Chairman V. Malsawmtluanga, Adviser to the Chief Minister and Lawngtlai East MLA Dr Lorrain Lalpekliana Chinzah, Lunglei South MLA Lalramliana Papuia, South Tuipui MLA Jeje Lalpekhlua, Lunglei Municipal Council Chairman Lalzuithanga, councillors, senior government officials and sports administrators. An exhibition football match between the teams led by HPC Vice Chairman V. Malsawmtluanga and MLA Jeje Lalpekhlua was also played during the event, with Jeje Lalpekhlua’s team winning 5-4.
