Guwahati: The 134-year-old Durand Cup football tournament will be played in Assam for the first time this year, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma introduced the three trophies on Thursday.
The Assam CM unveiled the three trophies—the Durand Cup, Shimla Trophy, and President’s Cup—at a ceremony yesterday.
Assam will host the historic competition for the first time as a part of a Trophy tour that will visit five cities. This year, it will take place from August 17 to September 4.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, CM Sarma praised it as a momentous moment for the state’s residents. He also praised the military for supporting the competition.
20 teams, including 11 from the Indian Super League will compete in the 131st Durand Cup.
According to CM Sarma, football is more than a sport to the Assamese people; the state government has been developing local players to represent the nation in the future.
He stated that every attempt was being made to restore the Bordoloi Trophy in Assam to its former glory.
CM Sarma went on to discuss his government’s initiatives in more detail, including the building of new stadiums, coaching facilities, possibilities for sportspeople to find work, and pensions for them.
It may be noted that the event was also attended by the Chairman of Durand Organising Committee, Lt. General K.K Repsawal, Chief Secretary Jishnu Barua, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (101 Area) Lt. General KC Panchanathan, apart from other senior officials of the armed forces and the government of Assam.
Glad to unveil 3 trophies of 134-year-old Durand Cup, Asia’s oldest football tournament, to be held in Assam for the first time from Aug 17 to Sept 4 at Guwahati under the aegis of @adgpi & GoA.
20 teams from across the country, including 11 ISL teams, will participate. pic.twitter.com/cdovxJ5frj
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 21, 2022