Thrilling Return: Kokrajhar to Enthrall Football Fans by Hosting Durand Cup for 2nd Time! | Exciting Guwahati News
Durand Cup Returns to Kokrajhar Amidst Peace and Progress in BTR
Guwahati: Kokrajhar, a district in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), will once again host the prestigious Durand Cup, Asia’s oldest football tournament, for the second consecutive year. Marking its 133rd edition, the tournament will take place in four major cities: Kolkata, Jamshedpur, Shillong, and Kokrajhar, from July 27 to August 31. The inaugural match will kick off in Kolkata, while Kokrajhar’s first game, featuring Northeast United FC and Bodoland FC, will be held at SAI Stadium on July 30.
Kokrajhar is slated to host a total of seven matches, which include six Group E encounters and one quarterfinal match. The district recently witnessed a large gathering of football fans at the Bodofa Cultural Complex for the flag-off and trophy unveiling ceremony. At the event, Pramod Boro, the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of BTR, emphasized how the region has transformed from a violence-stricken area to one of peace and development over the past three and a half years. He highlighted that hosting the Durand Cup reflects the prevailing tranquility and progress in BTR, offering youth a valuable opportunity to engage with football.
Boro also noted the community’s widespread passion for football and credited the government’s efforts to enhance sporting infrastructure and create a peaceful environment for nurturing sports talent. In comparison, the previous edition saw nine matches in Guwahati and 11 in Kokrajhar. Shillong, another northeastern city, will host six Group F matches this year. Overall, 24 teams divided into six groups, including two military teams from Nepal and Bangladesh, will compete in a total of 43 matches for the coveted Durand Cup.
In related events, the Odia Socio-Cultural Association in the Netherlands recently hosted the Rath Yatra in Rijswijk City, drawing a large crowd with traditional cultural activities and competitions.
This year’s Durand Cup promises a vibrant celebration of football, reflecting BTR’s journey towards peace and its commitment to sports.
Original Story https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/kokrajhar-to-host-durand-cup-for-2nd-time/articleshow/111740312.cms
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