Shillong, July 18: Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, showcased the Durand Cup Trophy for the 2024 Durand Cup here at the U Soso Tham Auditorium on Thursday. This will be the 133rd edition of the Durand Cup and held in Shillong for the first time.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister expressed happiness that the state is hosting the prestigious tournament this year, even though it was keen to host the Durand Cup last year as well. “I am very happy and privileged that Meghalaya is also a part of the oldest football tournament in Asia and the fifth oldest national competition in the world,” he said. He further said that the government will extend all support to ensure that the tournament is a great success.
Sangma also said that sports is at the centre of the government’s policies and programs. “The government has always focused on the stakeholder approach instead of scheme-based approach for development in the state,” he said.
He further said the government has invested largely in youth and the support required for Sports to a large extent in the last few years. “In the last six years we have committed about Rs. 1000 Cr to investments in Sports infrastructures,” he informed adding that “the support that we give to different sports associations, organisations and tournaments is also important.”
He also spelled out the initiatives of the state government to give impetus to Sports and added that the investments of the government in youth in different sectors like sports and music will bring huge dividends.
He concluded by urging the citizens to be a part of the Durand Cup 2024 which is in a way a means of national integration and also showing our respect to the armed forces.
Earlier, Lt Gen Sanjay Malik, GOC, 101 Area said that six matches of the Durand Cup 2024 will be held in Shillong for the first time. “This will certainly act as a harbinger for many more prestigious football tournaments to be held in Shillong,” he said. He added that having the Durand Cup matches in Shillong will give a fillip to budding footballers of Meghalaya to excel in football. He also informed that neighbouring countries of Nepal and Bangladesh will be competing in this year’s tournament.
The inaugural match will be held at JN Stadium between Shillong Lajong and Tribhuvan Army Football Club on August 2, 2024 at 4.00 pm. The inaugural ceremony will witness Air Force display teams, dance and musical extravaganza.
Later, the Chief Minister flagged off the Durand Cup 2024 Trophy roadshow.
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