The army bands are ready, so are the artists, dancers, daredevils and other performers, as the final dress rehearsal for the closing ceremony of the grand 132nd Durand Cup, concluded here at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) on Friday. On Sunday, September 03, 2023, Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Emami East Bengal clash at this very ground in what is popularly termed as the ‘Kolkata derby’, to earn the right to be called champions of the iconic Durand Cup.
The Governor of West Bengal, Dr. CV Ananda Bose, has kindly consented to be the Chief Guest of the final. Among other dignitaries who will grace the occasion will be Gen. Anil Chauhan, PVSM UYSM AVSM SM VSM, Chief of Defence Services, Indian Armed Forces, Shri. Aroop Biswas, Minister in Charge of Sports and Youth Affairs, Power and Housing, Government of West Bengal and Lt. Gen. Rana Pratap Kalita, PVSM UYSM AVSM SM VSM, Army Commander Eastern Command, Kolkata.
The Durand Organizing committee has chalked out an elaborate programme in the build-up to the game, as well as planned unique entertainment capsules during the half-time break and post-match, ahead of the prize distribution ceremony.
A forty-minute function will precede the kick-off of the highly anticipated final, which is expected to have a full house. Post arrival of dignitaries, the programme begins with the rendering of the national anthem.
That will be followed by daredevilry from the air and motorbike simultaneously, followed by a musical programme showcasing one of the richest traditions of the state of West-Bengal.
A Naval Symphony Band playing popular numbers will then keep spectators entertained during the break. Post-match, the entertainment quotient continues with a traditional tribal Chau Dance performance and concludes with a fusion of Jazz Bands and Military Bands and a Fusion performance by Army Units on the Durand Theme Song, before prize distribution begins.
The day concludes with the three Durand Trophies being handed over to the winning captain and team by dignitaries and celebrations on-field post that.
Source: Indian Army
Report- Pratyusha Mukherjee, Correspondent
