Assam: Trophy tour of 133rd Durand Cup reaches Kokrajhar

The prestigious Durand Cup Trophy Tour has made its way to Kokrajhar, Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), Assam, marking a significant moment in the lead-up to the 133rd edition of Asia's oldest and the world's third oldest football tournament. The trophy was showcased at the Bodofa Cultural Complex in Kokrajhar City on Sunday, drawing attention and excitement from the local community.

The event was graced by Nandita Gorlocha, the State Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare, who ceremoniously flagged off the trophy tour van. This initiative is a joint effort by the Indian Army and the BTR Government, representing the three Services, to promote and celebrate the historic tournament that has been instrumental in nurturing India's football talent since its inception in 1888 in Shimla.

Originally held in Shimla, the Durand Cup was relocated to New Delhi in 1940, remaining there until 2016. Since 2019, the Eastern Command has overseen the tournament, shifting its base to Kolkata, a city synonymous with Indian football. The Durand Cup is unique in awarding three trophies to its winners: the Durand Cup and the Shimla Trophy, both rotating, and the President's Cup, kept permanently.

The Group E matches, featuring Indian Super League (ISL) teams North-East United FC (NEUFC) and Odisha FC, along with the Border Security Force (BSF) and the local Bodoland FC, will take place in Kokrajhar. The first match, an exciting all-Assam derby between Bodoland FC and NEUFC, is set to kick off on July 30, 2024, at 3:00 pm IST at the SAI Stadium.

This year, the tournament will see 24 teams, including two Services teams from Nepal and Bangladesh, competing in 43 matches across four host cities: Kokrajhar, Shillong, Jamshedpur (both making their debut as host cities), and Kolkata. The grand final will be held on August 31 at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) in Kolkata.

The Kokrajhar event was attended by notable dignitaries including BTR CEM Pramod Boro, Assam's state cabinet minister UG Brahma, BTR EM for Sports and Youth Welfare Daobaisa Boro, and BTCLA speaker Katiram Boro, among others.

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