The Durand Cup Returns to the City of Peace – Kokrajhar

The Durand Cup Returns to the City of Peace – Kokrajhar

The historic Durand Cup returns to Kokrajhar as the 133rd edition of the prestigious tournament, has once again chosen the city’s SAI stadium as one of the venues. Host city club Bodoland FC will be facing the challenge of Indian Super League clubs NorthEast United FC and Odisha FC, along with the BSF, in what promises to be an exciting Group E set of matches.


In the last edition of the Durand Cup, the SAI Stadiumwitnessed an exuberant sold out crowd in all the matches and the 133rd edition is all set to continue the trend as the opening match between Bodoland FC and NorthEast United FC is already sold out.


Speaking about the welcome the Durand Cup has received in Kokrajhar, Hon’ble Chief Executive Member, Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), Shri Pramod Boro said, “People of Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) are natural sports lovers and are undoubtedly very excited about the upcoming Durand Cup matches. With the hosting of the Durand Cup for the second consecutive year, Kokrajhar will indeed be firmly established in the football map of the country. Being one of the most prestigious tournaments in the sports calendar of India, it is a matter of pride for us that Kokrajhar was considered one of the venues”


Dr. Sangrang Brahma, Honorary Secretary, Assam Football Association spoke on the occasion and said, “There’s no doubt that the BTR region is a footballing hotbed of Assam and during the last edition of the Durand Cup, we saw how the people embraced the tournament and we are confident of witnessing a similar turnout this term as well.”

Kokrajhar has produced one of Assam’s finest footballing talents in HalicharanNarzary and recently the likes of GwgwmsarGoyary and ManabirBasumatary have made the people of BTR proud, by being selected to the Indian camp for upcoming SAFF U-20 Championship.

Speaking about the impact, the Durand Cup has made in the region, Shri Boro said, “I am optimistic that the Durand Cup which will facilitate short-term development of Sporting Infrastructure will lay strong foundations for the growth of Sports in general and Football in the Region. I congratulate the officers of the Indian Army and the Department of Sports, BTC for their excellent Joint Collaboration and hard work to make the tourney a grand success. I welcome all football lovers to Kokrajhar – the City of Peace.”

On the other hand, Dr. Brahma emphasized on the upliftment of football culture in the region through the Durand Cup and said, “We have a local team in Bodoland FC participating in the prestigious Durand Cup and laying the platform for the youngsters from not only the BTR region but from entire Assam to reach higher goals in their footballing career. We are hopeful to see more youngsters coming out from the region and go on to represent the country soon.”