Opening Ceremony of 133rd Durand Cup in Kokrajhar Northeast India

The 133rd IndianOil Durand Cup commenced in Kokrajhar with an exhilarating opening ceremony at the SAI Stadium, marking a grand beginning to one of Asia’s oldest football tournaments. The ceremonial kick-off was conducted by the Chief Guest, Shri Lotay Tshering, Former PM Bhutan in the august presence of Shri Pramod Boro, Hon’ble Chief Executive Member of the Bodoland Territorial Council, Assam, Shri UG Brahma, Hon’ble Minister for Welfare of Bodoland Department, Govt of Assam, Shri Lalnghinglova Hon’ble Minister of State for Sports and Youth Services Department, Govt of Mizoram, Shri Govinda Basumatari, Dy CEM, BTC, Shri Rajesh Nambiar, ED IOCL, Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari, UYSM, AVSM, SM, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command and Patron, Durand Cup Organizing Committee, Air Marshal SP Dharkar, PVSM, AVSM, AOC-in-C, Eastern Air Command, Lt Gen RC Srikanth, VSM, COS, Eastern Command and Chairman, Durand Cup Organizing Committee and Lt Gen Manish Erry, UYSM, AVSM, SM, GOC, 4 Corps, Maj Gen Rajesh Arun Moghe, VSM, GOC, Bengal Sub Area, Vice Chairman Durand Cup Organizing Committee, Maj Gen Vishal Singh, VSM, SM, GOC, 21 Div, Brig Rajneesh Mohan, SM, Dy GOC, 21 Div and other BTC Members and Eminent civil & Military dignitaries. The enthusiastic crowd was treated to a spectacular opening ceremony, beginning with a breathtaking skydiving display by the elite 11 Para Special Forces followed by a mesmerizing fly-past by the Army Aviation Helicopters. Following the aerial displays, attendees enjoyed a vibrant cultural performance, highlighting India’s diverse heritage. The cultural showcase included a fusion of military and local dances, featuring Chenda, Kalaripayattu, Bhangra, Bihu, Bagarumba and Garo dance, alongside performances by the renowned 12 Grenadiers Jazz Band. Shri Pramod Boro, the Chief Executive Member of BTC, Assam, remarked, “The Durand Cup is a testament to the enduring legacy of football in our nation and it is an honor for Kokrajhar and the entire Bodoland region to host this prestigious tournament. We are immensely grateful to the Indian Army and the organizing committee for their unwavering support. This event will not only boost the morale of our young athletes but also provide them with an opportunity to showcase their talents on a national stage. Let us celebrate this occasion by coming together to support our teams, including the Bodoland team, which will be competing against the Northeast team today and create lasting memories.” The opening match NorthEast United FC from Guwahati clinch victory over local side Bodoland FC as goals from Jithin MS and Ankith in the second-half gave the Indian Super League side all three points in Group E, setting the stage for an exciting competition in Kokrajhar. Kokrajhar hosts Group E, which includes ISL sides NorthEast United FC and FC Goa, local side Northeast United FC defeated Bodoland FC 2-0 in the opening Group E match of the Durand Cup being played at Sai Stadium in Kokrajhar. Jithin and Ankith scored the goals in the second half of the match.