Shillong, July 12: The three iconic trophies of the 135th Durand Cup arrived in Shillong on Saturday, marking the start of the tournament’s trophy tour in Meghalaya and reinforcing the State’s growing stature as a premier sporting destination ahead of hosting the 39th National Games in 2027.
The trophies will travel across Shillong, Jowai and Tura, giving the public an opportunity to view Asia’s oldest football tournament trophies before the competition begins on July 25.
The trophy showcase and flag-off ceremony at the State Convention Centre was attended by Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla, GOC 101 Area Lieutenant General Mohit Wadhwa, Senior Air Staff Officer, Eastern Air Command, Air Marshal Devendra P. Hirani, Director General of Police Idashisha Nongrang, GOC Bengal Sub Area and Vice Chairman, Durand Cup Organising Committee, Major General D.K. Singh, Sports and Youth Affairs Secretary Isawanda Laloo, senior military officers, government officials and representatives of participating teams.
Addressing the gathering, Shylla said football is deeply rooted in Meghalaya’s identity and has become a unifying force across the State.
“Football is not merely a game in Meghalaya—it is part of our identity. It is played in every village, every school, every town and every district. It unites communities, inspires our youth and brings immense pride to our State.”
He thanked the Indian Armed Forces and the Durand Cup Organising Committee for their continued confidence in Meghalaya and expressed the State’s aspiration to host the tournament final in the future.
Highlighting the government’s focus on sports, Shylla said more than 35,000 participants now take part in sporting events across Meghalaya every year and the State has hosted over 14 national and international sporting events since 2022.
He said the government’s investments in sports infrastructure and athlete development are creating opportunities for young sportspersons while promoting employment and tourism.
The Minister said projects such as the upcoming Mawkhanu Football Stadium, expected to be India’s largest football stadium, and the ongoing upgradation of the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and other facilities reflect the government’s long-term vision of making Meghalaya one of the country’s leading sporting destinations.
Sports and Youth Affairs Secretary Isawanda Laloo said Meghalaya hosting the Durand Cup for the third consecutive year reflects growing confidence in the State’s administrative capability, sporting infrastructure and commitment to delivering sporting excellence.
“As the State prepares to host the 39th National Games next year, the Government has adopted a long-term approach that extends beyond hosting sporting events, with a focus on building an inclusive sporting ecosystem where quality infrastructure, athlete development, coaching programmes, institutional partnerships and good governance come together to create sustainable opportunities for sport. Our aspiration is to see our athletes stand on podiums and bring home medals for the State and the country,” she said.
The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup comes ahead of Meghalaya hosting the 39th National Games in 2027. The State has earmarked Rs 1,800 crore for sports infrastructure, supported by a sports budget of Rs 844 crore for the current financial year.
Lieutenant General Mohit Wadhwa said Shillong has established itself as one of the Durand Cup’s key venues because of its vibrant football culture and the continued support extended by the Government of Meghalaya.
He also appreciated Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s commitment to sports development, saying sustained investments in sports infrastructure have strengthened Meghalaya’s readiness to host marquee sporting events, including the National Games.
Three Meghalaya clubs—Shillong Lajong FC, Nongkseh SS&CC and Langsning FC—will participate in this year’s tournament.
The 135th Durand Cup will be held from July 25 to August 23 across West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, Manipur and Meghalaya. Shillong will host eight matches, including a quarterfinal and a semifinal, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
