Meghalaya CM launches Durand Cup trophy tour

Shillong

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma unveiled the Durand Cup trophies on Wednesday and started the Trophy Convoy for the 134th edition of this historic football tournament.

Three beautiful trophies — the main Durand Cup, the rolling Shimla Trophy (given by Shimla residents in 1904), and the President’s Cup (which winners keep) — will travel across Shillong, Nongstoin, and Tura.

From Meghalaya, Shillong Lajong FC, Ryntih Sports Club, and the Meghalaya Police Football Team will take part in Asia’s oldest football tournament.

In a social media post, Sangma congratulated the Indian Army for keeping this old and respected tournament alive. He said football is more than a game for people in Meghalaya and the North East; it brings everyone together and fills them with pride. He wished the organisers success and hoped this year’s tournament would be even more exciting.

Sports Minister Shakliar Warjri and many other state and military officials joined the ceremony.

For the first time, the Durand Cup will be played in five states — West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, Meghalaya, and Manipur — from July 22 to August 23.

Six stadiums will host the matches, including two in Kolkata and one each in Imphal, Ranchi or Jamshedpur, Shillong, and Kokrajhar. The tournament moved from Delhi to Kolkata in 2019 and continues there for the sixth straight year.

North East United FC are the defending champions after defeating Mohun Bagan last year.

This tournament is a big celebration for football lovers and shows the deep love for the game in India.