The 135th Indian Oil Durand Cup countdown started in Assam with the arrival of the tournament’s iconic trophies in Guwahati. The trophies were unveiled during a ceremony at a luxurious hotel, attended by Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Biswajit Daimary, senior Indian Army officials, state government representatives, and noted footballer Parthib Sundar Gogoi.
The event highlighted Assam’s emergence as a significant football destination and showcased the Northeast’s enduring contribution to Indian football. Senior Indian Army officers, including Major General Dinesh Kumar Singh and Major General Amit Dhir, emphasized the region’s rich footballing legacy and passionate fan base.
Major General Amit Dhir praised Assam and the Northeast as the heartland of Indian football, emphasizing the region’s footballing heritage and enthusiastic supporters. Major General Dinesh Kumar Singh commended the Army and civil administration’s joint efforts in organizing the tournament, reaffirming the Armed Forces’ dedication to promoting football and nurturing young talent in the region.
Footballer Parthib Sundar Gogoi encouraged fans to attend matches in large numbers and inspired young players to draw motivation from one of India’s most renowned football tournaments. Sports Minister Biswajit Daimary acknowledged football’s significance in Assam’s sporting culture and thanked the Indian Army for consistently bringing the prestigious tournament to the state, enhancing football infrastructure, and creating opportunities for local players.
The ceremony concluded with the formal unveiling of the Durand Cup trophies and a military flag-off for the trophy tour. The trophies will be exhibited at various locations in Guwahati over the next two days, including the New Legislative Assembly Building, the statue of Lachit Borphukan, IIT Guwahati, and City Centre Mall, building anticipation for the upcoming tournament.
