Durand Cup 2023: CM Conrad Sangma Unveils Trophies in Shillong, Announces Meghalaya as Hosts for Next Year
The Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, in collaboration with the Eastern Command of the Indian Armed Forces, held the much-anticipated unveiling event of the prestigious three trophies viz the Durand Cup Trophy and the Shimla Trophy (both rolling trophies) and the President’s Cup (for keeping permanently) were taken on a grand tour of the city. The grand ceremony was held at the State Convention Centre, Shillong on July 21, 2023. Following the unveiling, a captivating Road Show and Trophy display took place at Khyndai Lad, Shillong. The event was held in the esteemed presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad K Sangma, Shri D.P .Wahlang, IAS, chief secretary, Govt of Meghalaya, Lieutenant General Sanjay Malik, Air Marshal Tejinder Singh and other dignitaries from both civil and military communities were in attendance, including the Chief Secretary, Government of Meghalaya. Celebrating its 132nd edition this year, the Durand Cup holds the distinction of being Asia’s oldest football tournament and the world’s third oldest. The tournament is scheduled to take place from August 3 to September 3, 2023, featuring 24 teams from various regions of the country, including all 12 Indian Super League sides along with foreign teams from neighboring countries Bangladesh and Nepal, which marks the return of foreign participation after a hiatus of 27 years. This event promised to be an exceptional celebration of footballing heritage and the true spirit of sportsmanship. Football enthusiasts, devoted fans, attended this momentous occasion. Further, it was also announced that Shillong would be one of the host cities of the 2024 edition of the Durand Cup.
The Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, in collaboration with the Eastern Command of the Indian Armed Forces, held the much-anticipated unveiling event of the prestigious three trophies viz the Durand Cup Trophy and the Shimla Trophy (both rolling trophies) and the President’s Cup (for keeping permanently) were taken on a grand tour of the city. The grand ceremony was held at the State Convention Centre, Shillong on July 21, 2023. Following the unveiling, a captivating Road Show and Trophy display took place at Khyndai Lad, Shillong. The event was held in the esteemed presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad K Sangma, Shri D.P .Wahlang, IAS, chief secretary, Govt of Meghalaya, Lieutenant General Sanjay Malik, Air Marshal Tejinder Singh and other dignitaries from both civil and military communities were in attendance, including the Chief Secretary, Government of Meghalaya. Celebrating its 132nd edition this year, the Durand Cup holds the distinction of being Asia’s oldest football tournament and the world’s third oldest. The tournament is scheduled to take place from August 3 to September 3, 2023, featuring 24 teams from various regions of the country, including all 12 Indian Super League sides along with foreign teams from neighboring countries Bangladesh and Nepal, which marks the return of foreign participation after a hiatus of 27 years. This event promised to be an exceptional celebration of footballing heritage and the true spirit of sportsmanship. Football enthusiasts, devoted fans, attended this momentous occasion. Further, it was also announced that Shillong would be one of the host cities of the 2024 edition of the Durand Cup.
Shillong Lajong FC, have been placed in Group D alongside formidable opponents, Northeast United FC, FC Goa, and Downtown Heroes FC of Kashmir, promising an intense competition in the upcoming Durand Cup. Shillong Lajong FC will play their opening match against Northeast United FC on 4th August at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati. Shillong Lajong FC, fresh from gaining promotion to the I-League 2023-24, will be making their debut in this competition.
The unveiling of the Durand Cup trophy is one of the first significant events in what will be an eventful year of sports events for the State, including the Megha Kayak Fest, and the Meghalaya Games to be held in Tura.
