Durand Cup Fever Grips Guwahati

Guwahati, Jul 16: The countdown to Asia’s oldest football tournament officially began in Guwahati on Wednesday as the iconic trophies of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup arrived in the city, marking the launch of the Trophy Tour ahead of India’s premier football championship.

The Trophy Display Ceremony at Hotel Taj Vivanta brought together senior government officials, Army officers and football enthusiasts to celebrate the rich legacy of the 135-year-old tournament and Assam’s growing stature as a football destination.

Assam Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Biswajit Daimary, who attended the event as the chief guest, announced that Guwahati will host six matches during this year’s edition. NorthEast United FC, Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC, Bodoland FC and a team from Jammu & Kashmir will feature in the Guwahati leg of the tournament.

“All matches in Guwahati will be free to watch. However, spectators will require entry passes, which can be collected from the stadium and designated distribution centres,” Daimary said.

Addressing the gathering, Major General Dinesh Kumar Singh, SM, VSM, General Officer Commanding, described the Durand Cup as a 135-year-old legacy of the Indian Army and a powerful platform to promote football across the country.

“We want to take the tournament to as many cities as possible and inspire children, women and football lovers across India. Our dream is to see India emerge as a football powerhouse, just as it has in cricket,” he said, adding that Ranchi has been introduced as a new host city this year.

The ceremony was also attended by Kausar Jamil Hilaly (IAS Retd.), Special Secretary, Department of Sports and Youth Welfare, Ankur Bharali, ACS, Director of Sports and Youth Welfare, and noted footballer Parthib Sundar Gogoi.

Following the display ceremony, the trophies embarked on a city tour aimed at building excitement, engaging football fans and inspiring the next generation of players ahead of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup.

Also read: Meghalaya, Assam to meet soon on border row, says Deputy CM

Also Watch

Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.

CM Neiphiu Rio meets FM Nirmala Sitharaman, seeks support for Nagaland’s development priorities

Ri Bhoi organises ‘Run for SIR’ marathon to boost electoral roll awareness