133rd IndianOil Durand Cup Inauguration commence in Kokrajhar followed by a Spectacular Ceremony

Kokrajhar, July 30, 2024: The 133rd IndianOil Durand Cup commenced in Kokrajhar with an exhilarating opening ceremony at the SAI Stadium, marking a grand beginning to one of Asia’s oldest football tournaments. The ceremonial kick-off was conducted by the Chief Guest Shri Lalnghinglova Hon’ble Minister of State for Sports and Youth Services Department Govt of Mizoram and Chairman League of Committee of AIFF, in the august presence of Guest of Honour, Dr. Lotay Tshering, Former PM Bhutan, Shri Pramod Boro, Hon’ble Chief Executive Member of the Bodoland Territorial Council, Assam,Shri Rajesh Nambiar, ED IOCL, Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari, UYSM, AVSM, SM, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command and Patron, Durand Cup Organizing Committee, Air Marshal SP Dharkar, PVSM, AVSM, AOC-in-C, Eastern Air Command, Lt Gen RC Srikanth, VSM, COS, Eastern Command and Chairman, Durand Cup Organizing Committee and Lt Gen Manish Erry, UYSM, AVSM, SM, GOC, 4 Corps, Maj Gen Rajesh Arun Moghe, VSM, GOC, Bengal Sub Area, Vice Chairman Durand Cup Organizing Committee, Maj Gen Vishal Singh, VSM, SM, GOC, 21 Div, and other BTC Members and Eminent civil & Military dignitaries.

The stadium witnessed a massive crowd of more than 12,000 people. The enthusiastic crowd was treated to a spectacular opening ceremony, beginning with a breathtaking skydiving display by the elite 11 Para Special Forces and Army Adventure Wing followed by a mesmerizing fly-past by the Army Aviation Helicopters. The crowd also witnessed Paramotors Aero Model Display and Hot Air Ballon Display.

Following the aerial displays, attendees enjoyed a vibrant cultural performance, highlighting India’s diverse heritage. The cultural showcase included a fusion of military and local dances, featuring Chenda, Kalaripayattu, Bhangra,Chhau, Bihu, Bagarumba, and Dima Hasao dance, alongside performances by the renowned 12 Grenadiers Jazz Band, Brass Band of 13 Grenadiers & Eastern Air Command.The spectators were further thrilled by a Dog show and the most loved regimental song of Assam Regiment‘Badlu Ram’.

Shri Pramod Boro, the Chief Executive Member of BTC, Assam, remarked, “The Durand Cup is a testament to the enduring legacy of football in our nation and it is an honor for Kokrajhar and the entire Bodoland region to host this prestigious tournament. We are immensely grateful to the Indian Army and the organizing committee for their unwavering support. This event will not only boost the morale of our young athletes but also provide them with an opportunity to showcase their talents on a national stage. Let us celebrate this occasion by coming together to support our teams, including the Bodoland team, which will be competing against the Northeast team today and create lasting memories.”

The opening match NorthEast United FC from Guwahati clinch victory over local side Bodoland FC as goals from Jithin MS and Ankith in the second-half gave the Indian Super League side all three points in Group E, setting the stage for an exciting competition in Kokrajhar.

Kokrajhar hosts Group E, which includes ISL sides NorthEast United FC and FC Goa, local side Bodoland FC and Border Security Force Football Team. All matches will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Network and streamed on the Sony Liv OTT platform.

The Durand Cup features 24 teams, including a service team from Nepal, competing in 43 matches across four host cities: Kokrajhar, Shillong, Jamshedpur and Kolkata. The grand finale will be held at Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) on August 31st.

ABOUT DURAND CUP

A symbol of India’s football history and culture, the Durand Cup is Asia’s oldest and the world’s third-oldest football tournament. Organized by the Indian Army on behalf of the three Services, the Durand Cup has been the breeding ground for India’s best footballing talent, over the years.

The inaugural edition happened in Shimla in 1888 and then the tournament moved to New Delhi in 1940, where it was held till 2016. In 2019, the tournament came under the aegis of the Eastern Command and moved to the eastern part of the country, with Kolkata, the Mecca of Indian football and the Eastern Command Headquarters, being the home base. What makes the Durand Cup even more unique is that the winners get three trophies, two rotating (Durand Cup and Shimla Trophy) and one for permanent keep (President’s Cup).

As we embark on this exciting journey over the coming weeks, let us celebrate the beautiful game of football, honour the traditions of the Durand Cup and look forward to witnessing moments of brilliance that will be etched in our memories forever.