By Preetam Brahma Choudhury
Kokrajhar: The 132nd edition of the prestigious Durand Cup, India’s oldest football tournament, kick starts from today at the SAI Stadium, Kokrajhar with a colourful inaugural ceremony.
Minister of Defence,Rajnath Singh, Chief Minister of Assam Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande, BTR chief executive member Pramod Boro grace the opening ceremony.
In his speech, the defence minister said there is a craze of Durand Cup in India and the same craze is seen here. “Football is not only a game but it’s an emotion, he said adding that it’s a proud moment that Durand Cup is being held in Kokrajhar for the first time which is a proud moment for the entire Assam and not only in Kokrajhar.
Earlier, the chief minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma announced of a stadium in Kokrajhar amounting Rs 110 crore, the work of which will start in November.
Today’s inaugural event features a spectacular show of thrilling displays by the Indian Armed Forces contingents, Sukhoi flypast, Helicopter Fly Pasts, Martial displays Bhangra and cultural programs by the local
Rajasthan United FC defeated Bodoland FC 1-0 in the first match. The match was stopped due to heavy rain in the 10 minutes play of the second half but resume after over 30 minutes.
