Guwahati, Aug 05: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday inaugurated the 132nd edition of Durand Cup at SAI stadium in Assam’s Kokrajhar district.
The opening ceremony, which was witnessed by around 12000 football fans, was soon followed by the opening match of the tournament between Bodoland FC and Rajasthan United FC.
Some of the main attractions of the opening ceremony included a flypast by Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft and Mi-17 helicopter, martial displays, Gatka and Bhangra along with the display of Bodo cultural dance by the local troupe.
A total of 24 teams, including two foreign teams from Nepal and Bangladesh, all three teams of Indian Armed Forces and the local team of Bodoland FC will clash at three venues in Kolkata, Guwahati and Kokrajhar during the tournament.
Addressing the crowd, the Defence Minister complimented the efforts of the Armed Forces and Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) for creating a positive environment in Kokrajhar which has resulted in the event being organised in the city for the first time.
He also praised the people of the Northeast for their excitement and love for football, terming ‘the beautiful game’ as not just a sport, but an emotion.
The tournament is organized by the Armed Forces and supported by the Government of Assam.
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