Wg Cdr Sreeprakash J

People young and old dancing and waving flags, cheering and clapping for their favourite teams, bands playing music, Mexican waves, ole, ole, people young and old waiting for the half time for breathtaking performance by various artistes, loud cheers going up as the crowd waited for the half time to lay their hands on signed souvenir footballs kicked toward the stands. All this and much more. It was more like a festival, a carnival that had engulfed this abode of clouds as the Durand Cup football tournament played out at the JN Stadium Shillong.

For many football fans in Shillong, hosting the 133rd Durand Cup was a dream come true. The city has a long history with football, and the chance to witness such a prestigious tournament on home turf was a source of pride and joy. The matches saw large turnouts, with passionate supporters filling the stands to cheer on their favourite teams. The electric atmosphere at the stadiums was a testament to how much the event meant to the people of Shillong.

The atmosphere during the matches was vibrant, with fans bringing drums, flags, and traditional attire to the stadiums, creating a festive environment that showcased the region’s unique cultural identity. For many, the Durand Cup was an opportunity to come together as a community, united by their shared passion for football. The diversity of the fanbase and the joyous atmosphere in the stands highlighted the strong footballing traditions of the Northeast and the region’s ability to host major sporting events with flair and enthusiasm.

The Durand Cup, established in 1888, is not just Asia’s oldest football tournament but also one of India’s most prestigious sporting events. Over the years, it has garnered a reputation for showcasing top-tier football talent and creating a platform for military and civilian teams to compete. This year, the tournament reached a significant milestone as it was brought to Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, known for its deep connection to football. This achievement, which delighted football enthusiasts in the region, was made possible largely due to the tireless efforts of the Indian Armed Forces, the Indian Army, specifically for the Durand Cup is organised by the Indian Army on behalf of the three Services.

Named after Sir Mortimer Durand, the Durand Cup began as a competition between different branches of the British Indian armed forces. Over time, it evolved into a major football tournament, attracting teams from across India and beyond. Despite its transformation, the military’s involvement has remained a cornerstone of the tournament’s identity.

The Indian Army has been closely associated with the Durand Cup, playing a key role in organizing and promoting the event. Military teams have been regular participants, bringing a unique blend of discipline, teamwork, and competitive spirit to the tournament. The Army’s continued involvement has ensured that the Durand Cup retains its distinctive character, combining the excitement of football with a legacy of military tradition.

The Indian Army was instrumental in bringing the Durand Cup to Shillong. Working closely with the state Government, the Army’s involvement in organizing the Durand Cup reflects its broader commitment to community engagement and the promotion of sports. Shillong has long been a football-loving city, with a deep passion for the game that permeates every level of society. From local clubs to enthusiastic fans, football is part of the city’s identity. Hosting the Durand Cup in Shillong was a long-cherished dream, and it was the Indian Army’s vision and determination that turned this dream into a reality. The decision to host matches in Shillong was part of a larger effort to promote football in the Northeastern region, which has produced some of India’s finest footballers. The Army recognized the region’s potential and wanted to provide a platform that would inspire the next generation of players.

The decision to host the Durand Cup in Shillong was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from fans across the city and the region. Known as one of India’s footballing hotbeds, Shillong has a deep-rooted passion for the game, and the arrival of Asia’s oldest football tournament in their city sparked widespread excitement. The reactions from the fans reflected the importance of the event, not just as a football tournament but as a significant cultural moment for the region.

The Shillong leg of the 133rd Durand Cup was inaugurated by Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma, amidst a dazzling opening ceremony on 02 August 2024, ahead of the first game at the newly renovated Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium between local side Shillong Lajong FC and Nepal’s Tribhuvan Army Football Team. Also gracing the occasion were Air Marshal S P Dharkar, Air Officer Commanding in Chief, Eastern Air Command and Lt. General Ram Chander Tiwari, GOC-in-Chief, Eastern Command. The opening ceremony had a slew of performances despite the rain. However, one of the major highlights of the event, an Air Show, could not take place due to the inclement weather. Otherwise, the event had a Bhangra and Gatka performance by the 2nd and 13th Battalion of the Sikh Regiment, followed by a daredevil Motorcycle Show performed by the soldiers of Corps of Military Police. Song and dance then continued with performances by the Children Choir and a dance performance on the song “Badloo Ram Ka Badan” by the boys of the Assam Regimental Centre. The final performance was a Musical Ensemble by more than 800 schoolchildren from different schools of Shillong.

Lieutenant General Sanjay Malik, General Officer Commanding Headquarters 101 Area, highlighted the significance of Shillong hosting the tournament: “The Indian Army is proud to host this prestigious tournament in Shillong, as we continue with our commitment to spread the reach of the Durand Cup further into the region. In that spirit, Shillong is hosting the prestigious tournament for the first time. We are sure that the football-loving state of Meghalaya enjoyed the grand spectacle and the youth will take immense inspiration by watching their favourite players in live action.”

Bringing the Durand Cup to Shillong was no small feat. It required meticulous planning, coordination, and collaboration between various stakeholders, and the Army played a pivotal role in making it all happen. From logistical arrangements to security planning, the Army worked closely with the state government and its various agencies to ensure that the event was a success.

One of the key challenges was ensuring that the necessary infrastructure was in place to host a tournament of this scale. The state government left no stone unturned in ensuring that the JN Stadium was fit to conduct this tournament. The picturesque renovated JN stadium has indeed become a sight to savour. The Army pitched in taking on the challenges head-on, leveraging its resources and expertise to make sure that everything was ready for the matches. The Army’s involvement in arranging security for the event also ensured that the tournament was conducted smoothly and safely, allowing players and fans to focus on the game.

Major General Rajesh Moge, Vice Chairman of the Durand Cup Organising Committee, expressed his excitement about this year’s edition: “It is an honour to host the legendary Durand Cup, a tradition we’ve proudly upheld since 2019. Your support, along with the backing of the footballing fraternity, has helped us grow over these years. This tournament has made its mark in Meghalaya for the first time, thanks not only to the passion of the local community but also to the unwavering enthusiasm from the Government of Meghalaya.”

The Durand Cup’s arrival in Shillong has marked a turning point for football in the Northeast. The Army’s efforts to bring the tournament to the region have created a lasting impact, inspiring young footballers and raising the profile of already glorious Northeastern football on the national stage. By hosting such a prestigious event, the Army has provided local players with the opportunity to witness top-level football firsthand and aspire to greater heights in the sport. Shillong Lajong Football Club , the local club almost fully comprising of local players defeated East Bengal FC ,one of the legendary clubs in India serving as a reminder of the immense football talent that exists in Shillong and putting Shillong football in the spotlight. This will undoubtedly encourage more investment in sports infrastructure and the development of football programs in the region, ultimately benefiting future generations of players.

The Army’s involvement in bringing the Durand Cup to Shillong goes beyond just football. It reflects a broader effort to strengthen the bond between the military and the local community. The leadership in organizing the tournament demonstrated the Army’s commitment to supporting the region and promoting positive community relations. The presence of the Army at the event has helped build a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect between the military and the people of Shillong. The community appreciated the Army’s efforts, recognizing the important role they played in making the event a success. This has strengthened relationship between the Army and the local population will have lasting positive effects, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration.

Local fans expressed their excitement through social media, public gatherings, and enthusiastic participation in every match. For them, the Durand Cup wasn’t just another football tournament—it was a moment of recognition for Shillong’s football culture and its contribution to the sport in India. Many fans shared that having the Durand Cup in their city was validation of the region’s status as a football hub, and it was seen as a significant step towards more national and international tournaments being held in Shillong. The Durand Cup’s arrival in Shillong had a particularly profound impact on young footballers in the region. For aspiring players, the opportunity to witness top-level football firsthand was an inspiration. Fans noted how the tournament had energized the local football community, with many young players attending the matches, soaking in the atmosphere, and dreaming of one day playing in such prestigious tournaments themselves.

A lot of hard work and dedication has gone into the organizing such a large-scale event in their city. The Army’s involvement in the tournament has not only ensured that it was well-executed but also made the fans feel valued and respected. The Army’s involvement went beyond football, as it strengthened the bond between the military and the local population, a demonstration of the Army’s commitment to fostering goodwill and supporting the development of the region.

Also Read: BSF denies hand in Awami League leader’s death near Meghalaya border, says body found in Bangladesh

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