Kolkata : The three trophies of the 134th IndianOil Durand Cup, were unveiled here at the Bodofa Cultural Complex in Kokrajhar, Assam, post a two-day Trophy Tour of the five districts of the autonomous Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) of the state, amidst region wise celebrations of football. The grand ceremony was graced by Smt. Nandita Gorlosa, Hon. Cabinet Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare, Government of Assam, who was Chief Guest.
Also in attendance were top Army officials including Maj. Gen. Rajesh Arun Moghe, VSM, Vice-Chairman, Durand Cup Organising Committee (DCOC) and Maj. Gen, Hartej Singh Bajaj, VSM, COS Gajraj Corps, among others.
Also present was eminent footballer from the region, Durga Boro, who played for clubs like Churchill Brothers and NorthEast United, both Durand Cup champions.
Speaking on the occasion Smt. Nandita Gorlosa, Hon Cabinet Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare, Government of Assam said, “With Durand Cup coming to Assam and Kokrajhar – “The City of Peace”, many players from Bodoland will be gaining a lot of experience and it will help in improving the game for the coming years. We have two teams from Assam in the Durand Cup and I hope that in the coming years we will see more teams from the state participating in the Durand Cup. Sports is now an integral part of Kokrajhar and the government has taken lot of steps to promote sports in the region. The love for football in Bodoland is big and Durand Cup will only help to increase the love for the game. I wish everyone involved a remarkable Durand Cup.”
Maj Gen. Rajesh Arun Moghe VSM, General Officer Commanding, Bengal Sub Area and Vice-Chairman, DCOC also shared his thoughts saying, “That Kokrajhar is hosting the Durand Cup for the third consecutive year is a powerful testament to the passion, hospitality and enthusiasm of this vibrant region. The extraordinary initiatives taken by Govt of Assam and BTC has resulted in packed stadiums exemplifying the love for the sport thus reinforcing our belief that football has truly found the pulse of the people here in the region.”
The three glittering pieces of silverware, the Durand Cup (original prize) and the Shimla Trophy (presented by residents of Shimla in 1904), both rolling trophies, as well as the President’s Cup, which is for the winners’ permanent keep, arrived in Kokrajhar on July 13th and since then have been to various schools and institutions like the Tamulpur High School, the Bhergaon High School and then on July 14th to the Mushalpur High School and the Bijin District Sports Association playground, drawing thousands of excited football loving youngsters.
An inspiring promotional video for the 134th IndianOil Durand Cup was also played out post the trophy unveiling, followed by cultural events performed by local artist and military talent. A unique Bodoland Football Rap number performed by Military artists drew huge response from the young crowd. The vote of thanks was delivered by Maj. Gen. Rohin Bawa, VSM, GOC, Red Horns Division.
The Hon.Minister. Smt. Gorlosa, then flagged-off the trophies, for them to make their way to the tournament venue, the SAI stadium, where the final match of the popular and local CEM Cup, will be played in their presence.
A total of seven matches including a quarterfinal, will be played in Kokrajhar with the first match scheduled on 27th July. The SAI Stadium will host local side Bodoland FC, Assam’s Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC, Indian Super League side Punjab FC and Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force FT.
