MELURI, OCT 26 (NPN): The second edition of the Pangolin Cup 2026 kicked off at Meluri local ground on October 26, bringing together eight local football teams to promote pangolin conservation and raise awareness about illegal wildlife trade (IWT) in Nagaland.
The tournament is being organised by the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), in collaboration with the Meluri Range Sports Association (MRSA) and the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of Nagaland. Scheduled to run until October 30, the initiative seeks to mobilise local communities, particularly youth, in efforts to protect pangolins and preserve the region’s natural heritage.
Supported by the Pangolin Crisis Fund (PCF) under the Wildlife Conservation Network and the Serenity Trust, the event is part of WTI’s ‘Countering Pangolin Trafficking’ project, which focuses on addressing the illegal trade of pangolins in Manipur and Nagaland.
The inaugural programme featured a traditional performance by the Meluri Area Public Organisations (MAPO), addresses by dignitaries and conservation representatives and the felicitation of community leaders for their contributions to wildlife protection. Community representatives also shared their experiences, highlighting the importance of local leadership and collective action in safeguarding wildlife.
The opening match of the tournament was played between Royals FC and Knight Riders.
Speaking at the event, Wildlife Warden, Kiphire, Sheijutho Katiry, stressed the need to reconnect younger generations with traditional conservation values and respect for nature.
He observed that forests, which were once essential for survival, should be recognised by younger generations as a living heritage that sustains countless lives. He also noted that pangolins were traditionally left undisturbed due to ancestral beliefs and held little value as hunting targets. However, the growing influence of illegal wildlife trade has altered this relationship, placing the species under increasing threat.
Katiry called for a revival of traditional values and a stronger commitment to conservation, drawing a parallel between wildlife protection and teamwork in football.
“Like football, conservation is a team effort,” he said, adding that the Pangolin Cup should serve as more than a sporting event and become a pledge to protect pangolins and preserve natural heritage for future generations.
Highlighting community-led conservation initiatives, the Pochury Hoho stated that more than 30 Pochury villages had adopted resolutions prohibiting pangolin hunting, with a fine of Rs. 50,000 for offenders involved in hunting or illegal wildlife trade.
The Hoho said the collective initiative reflected the community’s commitment to protecting wildlife, culture and traditions. It added that the Pangolin Cup would further strengthen the conservation message and reinforce the understanding that safeguarding natural heritage was a shared responsibility.
Joint Director of the Wildlife Trust of India, Sunil Kyarong, underscored the ecological importance of pangolins and the need for sustained community participation in their conservation.
He said WTI had been working with communities across Northeast India for 25 years, drawing lessons from successful conservation initiatives, including the protection of Amur falcons in Nagaland.
Kyarong emphasised that combining community awareness, locally driven conservation measures and efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade could help secure the future of pangolins. He described the tournament as an opportunity to unite communities, celebrate local culture and promote coexistence between people and wildlife.
Through the Pangolin Cup, organisers aim to use the popularity of football as a platform to engage local youth, community leaders and residents in wildlife conservation, encouraging them to become active stakeholders in protecting biodiversity and preserving the natural heritage of Nagaland.
Tuesday, October 27, 2026