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Durand Cup Trophy Tour Kicks Off in Kokrajhar with Enthusiasm

By AT Kokrajhar Bureau |

Kokrajhar, often referred to as the City of Peace, witnessed a grand kickoff for the trophy tour of the 133rd edition of the Durand Cup 2024, a prestigious football tournament, on Sunday. The event, held at the Bodofa Cultural Complex, Chandamari, saw a significant gathering of sports enthusiasts, citizens, Indian army officials, and government representatives from the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) and Assam.

Assam's Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare, Nandita Gorlosa, along with the Chief Executive Member of BTR, Pramod Boro, and Indian Army officials, flagged off the event. The ceremony marked the arrival of the Durand Cup trophy in Kokrajhar, which was displayed amidst a large and enthusiastic crowd.

Organized by the Indian Armed Forces and supported by the governments of BTR and Assam, this is the second consecutive year that Kokrajhar is hosting the event. The city has gained popularity for its smooth organization of the tournament, reflecting the region's progress and peace.

In his address, Pramod Boro highlighted the significance of hosting the Durand Cup in Kokrajhar, emphasizing the region's transformation over the past 3.5 years from a cycle of violence to an era of peace and progress. He noted that the event's successful hosting is a testament to the pervasive tranquility in BTR today.

"It was a delighted moment to attend the trophy unveiling and flag-off ceremony of the 133rd edition of the Durand Cup 2024 in Kokrajhar, the City of Peace. Football is a passion for all citizens of BTR, young and old. Our government has made assiduous efforts to enhance BTR’s sporting infrastructure and foster an environment of peace where budding sporting talents can blossom and flourish," Boro said. "Kokrajhar is proud to host the historic Durand Cup 2024 once more. This event will give immense impetus to the development of sports, particularly football, in our region. I wish for the smooth success of the Durand Cup, attracting sports lovers and citizens alike," he added.

Minister Gorlosa extended her best wishes and greetings to the Durand Cup organizing committee and emphasized the healthy sporting environment that football fosters. The event also featured a multi-community cultural demonstration, adding to the festivities.

Other notable attendees included Cabinet Minister Urkhao Gwra Brahma, MPs Rwngwra Narzary and Joyanta Basumatary, BTCLA Speaker Katiram Boro, Lt. Gen. RC Srikanth, VSM, Chief of Staff, HQ Eastern Command, Chairman DCOC, and eminent footballer Halicharan Narzary.

Preparations for the Durand Cup football tournament, scheduled to be held from 30th July at the SAI stadium playground in Kokrajhar, are in full swing. The stadium has been beautifully decorated, and the gallery is well-equipped to accommodate spectators.

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