Meluri, Nagaland, 26th October 2026: The Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), in collaboration with the Meluri Range Sports Association (MRSA) and the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Govt. of Nagaland, kicked off the second edition of the Pangolin Cup from October 26 to 31 at the Meluri local ground. 

Eight local football teams (Royals FC, Knight Riders, Jessami Students Club, Khumiaii FC, Meluri Town Club, United Brothers Club,  Wukruorii FC and Kara Junior) are competing in this six-day tournament, which aims to raise mass awareness about pangolin conservation and combat illegal wildlife trade (IWT). Supported by the Pangolin Crisis Fund (PCF) under the Wildlife Conservation Network and the Serenity Trust, this event marks a significant step toward mobilising communities for wildlife protection.

The opening match was Royals FC vs Knight Riders | Photo © Madhumay Mallik/ WTI

The Pangolin Cup is an initiative under WTI’s ‘Countering Pangolin Trafficking’ project, which focuses on addressing the illegal trade of pangolins in Manipur and Nagaland. By using football as a platform, WTI seeks to engage local youth, community leaders and residents in conservation efforts, encouraging them to become active stakeholders in protecting wildlife and preserving their natural heritage.

The opening match was between Royals FC and Knight Riders. The inaugural ceremony featured a traditional performance by Meluri Area Public Organisations (MAPO), addresses by dignitaries and conservation representatives, and felicitation of community leaders for their contributions to wildlife conservation. Community representatives also shared their experiences, highlighting the vital role of local leadership in protecting wildlife.

A traditional performance by Meluri Area Public Organisations (MAPO) during the opening ceremony | Photo © Madhumay Mallik/ WTI

Pangolins are among the most trafficked mammals in the world, driven largely by demand for their scales and meat. Illegal wildlife trade poses a serious threat to their survival, underscoring the need for collective action involving local communities, enforcement agencies and conservation organisations.

Speaking at the event, Shri Siechutho Katiry, Wildlife Warden, Kiphire, emphasised the importance of reconnecting younger generations with traditional conservation values. “While forests were once essential for survival, today’s younger generation must recognise them as a living heritage that sustains countless lives. Traditionally, pangolins were left undisturbed due to ancestral beliefs; they held little value as a target for hunting, but the growing influence of illegal wildlife trade has changed this relationship, placing the species under increasing threat. We must revive these cultural values and strengthen our commitment to conservation. Like football, conservation is a team effort. Let the Pangolin Cup be more than a tournament—a pledge to protect pangolins and preserve our natural heritage for future generations,” he said.

The Pangolin Cup aims to unite communities for pangolin and wildlife protection | Photo © Madhumay Mallik/ WTI

Highlighting community-led conservation efforts, the Pochury Hoho stated, “Over 30 Pochury villages have adopted resolutions banning pangolin hunting, with an INR 50,000 fine for offenders involved in hunting or illegal wildlife trade. This collective effort reflects our commitment to protecting wildlife, culture and traditions. The Pangolin Cup strengthens this community-led conservation message, reminding us that safeguarding our natural heritage is a shared responsibility.”

Shri Sunil Kyarong, Joint Director, Wildlife Trust of India, said, “Pangolins play a vital ecological role and are part of our natural heritage. For 25 years, the Wildlife Trust of India has worked with communities across Northeast India, drawing lessons from successful initiatives such as Amur falcon conservation in Nagaland. By combining community awareness, locally driven conservation measures and efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade, we can secure the pangolin’s future. The Pangolin Cup is an opportunity to unite communities, celebrate culture and promote a future where people and wildlife thrive together.”