The XXV North East Games kicked off yesterday at the picturesque Lopen Stadium in Dirang Valley in West Kameng district.
Education Minister Bosiram Siram declared the five-day sporting extravaganza open.
National Games record holder Lifter Yukar Sibi lit the Olympic Torch while International Gold medalist Pacha Nobin Jamoh administered oath to the participants.
He was also the flag bearer of Arunachal team in the march-past, official sources said here today.
Around 1,240 athletes and officials from eight North Eastern states, including Sikkim, are taking part in the event.
The Arunachal contingent includes Youth Commonwealth Games Gold medalist and National record holder Yukar Sibi, National Games Bronze medalist (Karate) Chunnu Sangno, Rei Yadi, Debia Yakap.
In the 24th edition of the games held last year in Shillong, Manipur topped the medal’s tally with 39 gold, 22 silver and 36 bronze followed by Assam (29 gold, 37 silver, 25 bronze) and host Meghalaya (23 gold, 14 silver, 26 bronze).
