Kokrajhar: The three magnificent and prestigious Durand Cup Trophies were unveiled in a grand ceremony held at Bodofa Cultural complex in Kokrajhar today.
All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey attended the event as Chief Guest and unveiled the trophy in the presence of BTR chief executive member Promod Boro, Cabinet Ministers -Nandita Gorlosa, Urkhao Gwra Brahma, Chief of Staff, Gajraj Corps Maj General Dinesh Hooda, Vice Chairman Durand Organising Committee Major General M Mahendroo among others.
The championship will kick-off on August 3 and will be held in three venues- Kolkata, Guwahati and Kokrajhar. The Guwahati leg will begin on August 4 while the matches at Kokrajhar will kick off on August 5. Total nine matches including one Quarter Final Match will be played at Kokrajhar. This year the Durand Cup will have 24 teams including all 12 Indian Super League (ISL) teams and. Service teams from Bangladesh and Nepal.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Kalyan Chaubey complimented the BTC for making exceptional progress in promotion of sports in recent times with the young athletes representing Indian teams across disciplines. In this context the staging of such premiere national tournaments, gives a further boost to the region’s young and talented footballers, as they get an opportunity to see their favourite teams and stars play in front of them.
Maj Gen Dinesh Hooda, Chief of Staff, Gajraj Corps also addressed the gathering and spoke about the rich traditions of the Durand Cup, the three trophies and long association with the Indian Armed Forces. He expressed his gratitude to the Government of Assam and Bodoland Territorial Council for providing Armed forces with wholehearted support for the tournament.
