Correspondent
Excitement Builds as 132nd Durand Football Tournament Nears Kick-Off Date.
The ceremony witnessed Lieutenant General Sanjay Malik, General Officer Commanding 101 Area, praising the rich sporting culture of the northeastern region. This year holds special significance for Meghalaya as the Shillong Lajong Football Club will participate in the prestigious Durand Cup for the first time. As a tribute to this milestone, the three trophies were unveiled in Shillong, igniting the city's fervor and enthusiasm for the tournament.
The three coveted trophies - the Durand Cup Trophy and the Shimla Trophy (both rolling trophies) and the President's Cup (a perpetual keepsake) - embarked on a grand tour of the city. The people of Shillong warmly welcomed the procession, showcasing their sporting spirit and excitement. The tour culminated in a vibrant celebration at Khyndailad, featuring captivating musical performances by a local band and the Army's Jazz band. The presence of the Shillong Lajong Football Club players further elevated the festive ambiance, receiving an enthusiastic reception from the attendees.
Shillong Lajong's debut match is set to take place on the evening of August 4, 2023, against Northeast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, as mentioned in a press release.
The journey of the three Durand trophies commenced on June 30, 2023, from Delhi, with a joint flag-off by General Manoj Pande, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC, Chief of Army Staff, Air Chief Marshal VK Chaudhary, Chief of Air Staff, and Shri Kalyan Chaubey, President, All India Football Federation (AIFF). The tour includes 15 cities, namely Dehradun, Udhampur, Jaipur, Pune, Mumbai, Karwar, Ezhimala, Kochi, Bengaluru, Kokrajhar, Guwahati, Shillong, Kathmandu, and Dhaka.
This edition of the Durand Cup promises to be grander than ever, with 24 participating teams, an increase from the previous 20. Adding to the excitement, all 12 Indian Super League (ISL) sides will be present, and the finals are scheduled to be held in Kolkata.
In an inclusive and prestigious move, service teams from neighboring countries Bangladesh and Nepal will also participate in this legendary tournament, further elevating its significance and appeal.