Guwahati, 30th July: The Assam leg of the historic Durand Cup, Asia’s oldest football tournament, officially commenced today with a grand opening ceremony at the SAI Stadium. The event, set to begin at 3 PM, promises a day filled with football excitement, military displays, and cultural performances. Gates opened for spectators at noon, welcoming a large crowd eager to witness the festivities.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma extended his best wishes to all participating teams through a post on X, stating, “Best wishes to all participating teams in the #DurandCup 2024 tournament. Durand Cup, the oldest football tournament of Asia, brings with it a rich and glorious legacy. As the Assam leg of the tourney kicks off in Kokrajhar, an apostle of peace, may the spirit of sportsmanship bind everyone together!”
The Indian Army, in collaboration with the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), ensured meticulous preparations for the event. The SAI Stadium underwent extensive renovations, including upgraded floodlights for evening matches and a state-of-the-art drainage system to ensure smooth gameplay despite weather conditions.
The opening ceremony featured thrilling military displays from the Indian Armed Forces and a vibrant cultural fiesta by local artists, aligning with Anti-Terrorism Day in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) to symbolize peace and prosperity’s return to the area.
The inaugural match will see local favorites Bodoland FC take on North East United FC, promising an exciting start to the tournament.
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