Shillong, July 27: JN Stadium in Shillong scripted history as Asia’s oldest football tournament, Durand Cup, was kicked off in a dazzling ceremony with a Group E match between Shillong Lajong FC and Malaysian Armed Forces on Saturday.
This is the second consecutive year that Durand Cup is being hosted in the capital city of Meghalaya.
Chief minister Conrad K Sangma symbolically launched the Group E matches, all of which, including the quarter-finals and semi-finals, will be held in Shillong.
Expressing gratitude to the armed forces for selecting Meghalaya to host the tournament for second consecutive year, he said, “We are very happy and extremely proud that Shillong is one of the host cities for the Durand Cup for the second consecutive year.”
Later taking to X, the chief minister wrote, “The football fever is truly infectious, and the energy in the stadium soared as Shillong Lajong FC clinched a well-deserved victory. We’re incredibly proud of our home team and hope they carry this momentum forward through the tournament!”
Meghalaya is fast emerging as the football capital of India, and moments like these are proof of that journey, he added.
Thanking football fans for their support, he said, “Shillong’s vibrant football culture was on full display, thanks to the passionate fans who make every match unforgettable.”
Meanwhile, the ceremony featured a slew of programmes by the Indian armed forces, including Kalarippayattu display, a para-motors show, and motorcycle stunts, leaving the spectators amazed.
Cultural highlights included a rendition by the Army Pipe and Jazz Band and a dance performance to “Badloo Ram Ka Badan” by the team of the Assam Regimental Centre.
Renditions from Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (MGMP) Artists such as Na U Bnai band, Ahaia Band and singers Deiwitewan Subah and Eniba War performed the famous song ‘Khun U Woh’ which captivated the audience with their performances.
Meanwhile, in its endeavour to bring a sporting revolution in Meghalaya, the state government has sanctioned a grant of Rs 39.17 crore to 26 state sports associations and Meghalaya State Olympic Association to support structured training and preparation.
Under the STAR programme, 24,500 athletes have been evaluated, while over 10,000 footballers are being trained through Chief Minister’s Mission Football 2.0.
Additionally, sports infrastructure projects worth Rs 1,500 crore are under way to develop and upgrade 518 sports facilities by 2028.
Sports and youth affairs minister Shakliar Warjri, GOC-in-C Eastern Command Lt Gen RC Tiwari, AOC-in-C Eastern Air Command Air Marshal Surat Singh, GOC 101 Area Lt Gen Sanjay Mallik, were among others present on the occasion.
