TURA: The prestigious trophies of the 133rd Indian Oil Durand Cup were displayed during a spectacular roadshow in Tura in Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills district on Saturday, generating enthusiasm among sports lovers.
The roadshow was organized by the Indian Armed Forces with the support of the Meghalaya government.
Led by Additional Deputy Commissioner Dolrich B G Momin, the iconic trophies were paraded through Tura, drawing enthusiastic crowds.
The convoy, adorned with the trophies of the coveted football tournament, traversed key locations including Nazing Bazar, Araimile, Tetengkol, and Hawakhana before culminating at the PA Sangma Stadium.
At Tura Super Market, dignitaries were honoured with special mementos in commemoration of the event.
Meghalaya Speaker Thomas A. Sangma inspired the crowd with a speech on sportsmanship.
The event included the distribution of tickets for the upcoming matches, generating excitement among football fans. In addition, a signature campaign in support of Team Lajong further energized the crowd.
The three trophies of the football tournament were unveiled in the state by Chief Minister Conard Sangma on July 18
The chief minister said it’s a proud moment for Meghalaya, as the state is hosting the prestigious football tourney for the first time.
Notably, the three trophies were flagged off on July 10 for a nationwide tour by President of India Droupadi Murmu from the national capital.
A total of 24 teams, including the three services teams and two Services teams from Nepal and Bangladesh, will be seen in action across 43 matches, which will be played in the four host cities of Kokrajhar, Shillong, Jamshedpur, and Kolkata. Kolkata will also host the grand final on August 31st at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK).
Jamshedpur and Shillong have been added as host cities this year. While Kokrajhar in Assam will host the football tournament for the second consecutive year, Kolkata has been hosting the Durand Cup for the last five years.
