Third straight year as host strengthens state’s push to become India’s football capital ahead of 2027 National Games
Shillong, July 12: With the glittering trophies of the 135th Durand Cup making their way through Meghalaya on Saturday, the state signalled that it is no longer just a football-loving region but an emerging powerhouse in India’s sporting landscape.
The three iconic Durand Cup trophies—the symbols of Asia’s oldest and the world’s third-oldest football tournament—arrived in Shillong to begin a public tour of Shillong, Jowai and Tura ahead of the tournament, which kicks off on July 25. The trophy tour is expected to build excitement among football fans before Meghalaya hosts eight matches, including a quarterfinal and a semifinal, at Shillong’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
The trophies were flagged off from the State Convention Centre in the presence of Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla, Lieutenant General Mohit Wadhwa, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 101 Area, Air Marshal Devendra P. Hirani, Meghalaya DGP Idashisha Nongrang and other senior civil and military officials.
Calling football “part of Meghalaya’s identity”, Shylla said the sport is played in “every village, every school, every town and every district”, adding that the state now aspires to host the Durand Cup final in the coming years.
The minister said Meghalaya’s growing role in the tournament reflects the state’s larger sporting ambitions under Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. Since 2022, Meghalaya has hosted more than 14 national and international sporting events, while over 35,000 athletes participate in sporting competitions across the state every year.
The Durand Cup’s return for a third consecutive year also comes at a crucial time for Meghalaya, which is preparing to host the 39th National Games in 2027. The state has earmarked ₹1,800 crore for sports infrastructure and allocated ₹844 crore for the sports sector in the current financial year, making it one of the biggest investments in sports by any northeastern state.
Officials said the investments are aimed at creating a long-term sporting ecosystem rather than merely hosting marquee events. The proposed Mawkhanu Football Stadium—expected to become India’s largest football stadium—and the ongoing upgrade of Shillong’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium form the centrepiece of that strategy.
Sports and Youth Affairs Secretary Isawanda Laloo said Meghalaya being entrusted with hosting the Durand Cup for the third successive year reflects growing confidence in the state’s administrative capabilities, infrastructure and ability to deliver major sporting events.
She said the government’s long-term goal is to create an ecosystem where infrastructure, coaching, athlete development and institutional partnerships work together to produce medal-winning athletes.
For the Indian Army, which organises the prestigious tournament, Shillong has become one of the Durand Cup’s strongest venues.
Lieutenant General Mohit Wadhwa said Meghalaya’s passionate football culture and the state government’s support have made Shillong an integral part of the tournament’s journey.
He also praised the government’s sustained investment in sports infrastructure, saying it has strengthened Meghalaya’s credentials to host national-level sporting events.
This year’s tournament will also have a strong local flavour, with Shillong Lajong FC, Nongkseh SS&CC and Langsning FC representing Meghalaya.
The 135th Indian Oil Durand Cup will be held from July 25 to August 23 across West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, Manipur and Meghalaya, with Shillong once again expected to provide one of the tournament’s most vibrant football atmospheres.
