17/10/2025
Hockey Arunachal President Dr. Gumjum Haider Dedicates ‘Best Administrator’ Award to People of Arunachal Pradesh
The Annual North East Hockey Award Ceremony, held today at the Manipur Bhawan in Guwahati, celebrated outstanding contributors to hockey administration across the region. Among the honorees, Dr. Gumjum Haider, President of Hockey Arunachal, was conferred the “Best Sports Administrator (Hockey)” award for his disciplined leadership and clean administration.
Dr. Haider, who is also the Founder-Cum-President of Hockey Arunachal, established the organization in 2010 with the motto “To Promote Hockey in Arunachal Pradesh.” Under his visionary leadership, the sport has seen significant growth in the state, from grassroots awareness campaigns to ensuring the full utilization of Arunachal’s first world-class hockey turf at the Sangay Lhaden Sports Academy, Chimpu.
Re-elected unopposed as President in August 2023 for another four-year term, Dr. Haider has been instrumental in advancing the sport’s infrastructure and opportunities for young players. Beyond sports, he has also served as a State Information Commissioner, and earlier as the General Secretary of the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) and the North East Students’ Organization (NESO) — roles that reflect his deep-rooted commitment to public service and youth leadership.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Haider emotionally dedicated the accolade to the people of Arunachal Pradesh, saying:
“This award is not mine alone; it belongs to the resilient and dedicated people of Arunachal Pradesh. Their unwavering spirit is the true power behind our success. We will continue to climb, believing in that beautiful thought that the journey of a thousand goals begins with a single, disciplined step.”
His heartfelt words struck a chord with the gathering, highlighting the enduring link between sportsmanship and community spirit.
The event also recognized other key figures in North East hockey development. Shri Gyanendra Ningombam, former President of Hockey India, received the title of Sports Architect of North East for his long-standing contribution to regional sports growth. Shri Tapan Das, President of Hockey Assam, was named Best Hockey Promoter of Northeast India for his tireless efforts in popularizing the game across the region.
The high-profile event witnessed the presence of prominent hockey administrators, players, and delegates from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Tripura, alongside representatives from media and sponsoring organizations — underscoring the growing unity and momentum shaping the future of hockey in the North East.