By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 24: The excitement for the Durand Cup has engulfed the state, with fans eagerly awaiting the semi-final showdown between Northeast United FC and Shillong Lajong FC on August 26 at JN Stadium. Enthusiasts have poured into the capital from across Meghalaya to secure tickets for this much-anticipated Northeast derby. However, the process has been plagued by significant mismanagement, disappointing many supporters.
Online booking was available for a very limited window, compounding the challenges for fans. Ticket sales, which commenced on Saturday, saw devoted supporters braving heavy rain and queuing for hours. Tickets were initially sold at Polo, Café Shillong in Laitumkhrah, and Khyndai Lad. To alleviate the congestion, an additional counter was opened at U Soso Tham Auditorium in IGP around 5 pm. However, by then, many fans had already waited 2-3 hours.
The scarcity of tickets—only 1,000 per counter—heightened frustrations. Elderly and differently-abled fans faced particular hardships, enduring long waits without any special provisions. Furthermore, the policy of one ticket per person exacerbated the situation.
A notable incident involved a 77-year-old man queuing for hours at the Soso Tham Auditorium to buy a ticket for his football-loving grandson. Media personnel eventually assisted him in securing a ticket. The Polo counter had to be shut down due to the ensuing commotion and chaos, highlighting the ineffective crowd management.
During the quarterfinals, tickets were declared sold out, yet many seats remained conspicuously empty, raising concerns about the ticket allocation process. An insider revealed that the state government had underestimated the turnout, despite Meghalaya’s fervent football culture.
To combat ticket fraud, organisers have introduced hologram-embedded tickets following previous incidents of counterfeiting. The debacle underscores the need for better planning and management to match the state’s football enthusiasm.
In summation, the fervor for the Durand Cup semi-final is palpable, but the ticketing mismanagement has left many fans frustrated and disappointed.
Original Story https://theshillongtimes.com/2024/08/25/shillong-goes-gaga-on-day-1-of-durand-cup-ticket-sales/
Category : MEGHALAYA
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