The iconic trophies of the 135th Durand Cup arrived in Guwahati today, marking the official commencement of the tournament’s Trophy Tour in Assam. The ceremonial display was held at a city hotel, signalling the countdown to India’s most prestigious and Asia’s oldest football tournament.
The arrival of the three historic trophies celebrates the rich legacy of the Durand Cup while highlighting Assam’s growing stature as one of the country’s leading football hubs.
The Trophy Display Ceremony was attended by Assam’s Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare, Shri Biswajit Daimary, as the chief guest. Other dignitaries present included Shri Kausar Jamil Hilaly, IAS (Retd.), Special Secretary, Department of Sports and Youth Welfare; Shri Ankur Bharali, ACS, Director, Sports and Youth Welfare; and noted footballer Shri Parthib Sundar Gogoi.
Representing the Indian Army were Maj Gen Dinesh Kumar Singh, SM, VSM, General Officer Commanding, Bengal Sub Area; Maj Gen Amit Dhir, VSM, Chief of Staff, Gajraj Corps; and Brig Anupam Sharma, Commander, Tamulpur Brigade.
Their presence underscored the Army’s continued commitment to promoting sports, empowering youth, and strengthening its connection with the people of the North East.
Addressing the gathering, Major General Amit Dhir,COS,Gajraj Corps, highlighted the significance of hosting the Durand Cup in Assam and the North East, describing the region as the heartland of Indian football.”For more than 135 years, the Durand Cup has represented excellence in Indian football. Its continued success reflects the strong partnership between the Armed Forces, the Government of Assam and the football community, while providing young players with a national platform to pursue their dreams and showcase their talent.”
Major General Dinesh Kumar Singh,GOC, Bengal Sub Area and Vice Chairman of the Durand Cup Football Committee, commended the coordinated efforts of military and civil authorities in organising the tournament and reiterated the Army’s commitment to the development of football in the region.”The Durand Cup is not just about competition; it is about inspiring young footballers across the North-East and strengthening India’s football ecosystem. Together with the Government of Assam and our partners, we remain committed to taking the game to every aspiring player, creating opportunities for local talent and nurturing the dream of seeing India compete on football’s biggest stage.”
Footballer Parthib Sundar Gogoi urged fans to turn out in large numbers to support the tournament, while Sports Minister Biswajit Daimary emphasised football’s importance to Assam and expressed gratitude to the Indian Army for its sustained efforts in successfully hosting the Durand Cup in the state.”Winning the Durand Cup taught us that success comes through resilience, hard work and belief. As defending champions, we know every season begins from zero, and we’re excited to return to Guwahati, where the incredible support of our fans gives us the strength to keep striving for greater success.”-Gogoi said,
The ceremony concluded with the ceremonial unveiling of the prestigious Durand Cup trophies, followed by a military flag-off for the Trophy Tour.
Over the next two days, the trophies will travel across prominent locations in Guwahati, including the New Legislative Assembly Building, the Shri Lachit Borphukan Statue, IIT Guwahati and City Centre Mall, allowing football enthusiasts and the public to witness the silverware up close.
The Trophy Tour marks the beginning of the 135th Durand Cup celebrations, reinforcing the tournament’s enduring legacy and its role in bringing communities together while inspiring the next generation of footballers.
(Inputs from PRO Defence Guwahati)
