The wait is finally over as Shillong for the first time will host the Durand Cup- Asia’s oldest and the world’s third oldest football tournament. Shillong will witness the first of seven matches of the 133rd edition of the Durand Cup at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on August 2, 2024 .
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium will host Group F consisting of local side Shillong Lajong FC, Indian Super League sides FC Goa, Hyderabad FC and Nepal’s Tribhuvan Army Football Club. The first match will be played between Shillong Lajong FC and Tribhuvan Army FC. The match is scheduled to start at 4pm, to be preceded by a spectacular inauguration ceremony beginning at 2pm. A number of thrilling military displays of the Indian Armed Forces and a cultural fiesta by children and singers are lined up to add to the festivities.
The three magnificent Trophies of the 133rd Durand Cup reached Shillong and were proudly displayed at a grand ceremony at the U Soso Tham Auditorium on 18 July 2024 in the presence of Chief Minister of Meghalaya Conrad K. Sangma.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister had expressed happiness that the state is hosting the prestigious tournament this year. “I am very happy and privileged that Meghalaya is also a part of the oldest football tournament in Asia” he said. He further said that the government will extend all support to ensure that the tournament is a great success.
The General Officer Commanding of the 101 Area Lieutenant General Sanjay Malik had also shared his thoughts, saying, “The Indian Army is proud to host this prestigious tournament in Shillong, as we continue with our commitment to spread the reach of the Durand Cup further into the region. We are sure that the football loving state of Meghalaya is ready for a grand spectacle and the youth will take immense inspiration by watching their favourite players in live action.”*l
A symbol of India’s football history and culture, the Durand Cup is Asia’s oldest and the world’s third oldest football tournament. Organised by the Indian Army on behalf of the three Services, the Durand Cup has been churning out India’s best footballing talent over the years.
The inaugural edition happened in Shimla in 1888 and then the tournament moved to New Delhi in 1940, where it was held till 2016. In 2019, the tournament came under the aegis of the Eastern Command and moved to the eastern part of the country, with Kolkata, the Mecca of Indian football and the Eastern Command Headquarters, being the home base. What makes the Durand Cup even more unique is that the winners get three trophies, two rotating (Durand Cup and Shimla Trophy) and one for permanent keep (President’s Cup).
