In a grand ceremony at the U Soso Tham Auditorium in Secretariat Hills, the three magnificient trophies of Durand cup marked their way to the Khasi hills for the first time since 1888.
The three trophies were flagged off on July 10th for a nationwide tour by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu from New Delhi.
Shillong, Meghalaya is gearing up to host Asia’s oldest and world’s third oldest football tournament, Durand Cup which is scheduled to begin on July 27.
Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma hailed the efforts of the Durand Cup Organizing Committee in bringing about this historic moment for the State, which would put Shillong on the football map of the country.
“Football is the most loved and followed sport in Meghalaya and it is an absolute honour for us to host the prestigious Durand Cup for the first time.”
Sangma urged the citizens of the state to watch the matches and added he will be “rooting his favourite Shillong Lajong” as he look forward to the exciting football matches in the coming days. He furthered hoped for the best for the teams and wished the guests a wonderfull time in the state.
The ceremony was attended by many reputed position holders among them was Lieutenant General Sanjay Malik who seems to be excited for Shillong hosting the cup for the first time, “We are sure that the football loving state of Meghalaya is ready for a grand spectacle as Shillong will be hosting the prestigious tournament for the first time."
He further added, "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. The youth will take immense inspiration by watching their favourite players in live action.”
A total of 24 teams will be competing with each other. The teams have been alphabetically divided in six groups of four each.
Shillong will host Group F which comprises teams of Shillong Lajong FC, Indian Super League sides FC Goa, Hyderabad FC and Nepal’s Tribhuvan Army Football Club. The first match will be played between Shillong Lajong FC and Tribhuvan Army FC on August 2. The game will start at 4 PM.
The cup will also be hosted in three other cities, Jamshedpur, also being the first, Kokrajhar, and Kolkata, which will also host the grand final on August 31, at the hallowed Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK).
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