Did Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma Unveil the Durand Cup Trophies in Shillong?

Shillong, July 9 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K Sangma, on Wednesday revealed the prestigious Durand Cup Trophies and initiated the Trophy Convoy for the 134th edition of this significant tournament.

The three stunning pieces of silverware—the original Durand Cup, the rolling Shimla Trophy (which was presented by the residents of Shimla in 1904), and the President’s Cup (permanently held by the winners)—will embark on a roadshow covering Shillong, Nongstoin, and Tura later today.

Representing Meghalaya in Asia’s oldest football tournament are three teams: Shillong Lajong FC, Ryntih Sports Club, and the Meghalaya Police Football Team.

In a post on X, Sangma expressed, "My sincere congratulations to @adgpi for their steadfast dedication to organizing the Durand Cup annually, safeguarding the legacy of one of India’s oldest and most esteemed football competitions."

He added, "Football transcends mere sport for the people of Meghalaya and the North East—it's a fervor that unites communities and fosters pride. I am confident the forthcoming Durand Cup will be celebrated with unparalleled enthusiasm. My warm wishes to the organizers for a tournament that will surely be memorable."

Also present at the unveiling were Meghalaya's sports minister Shakliar Warjri and several senior military and state officials.

This year marks the inaugural instance of the Durand Cup being held across five states—West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, Meghalaya, and Manipur—between July 22 and August 23.

Kokrajhar in Assam will continue as a host for the third year in a row, while Jamshedpur in Jharkhand and Shillong in Meghalaya joined as hosts last year. This century-old tournament transitioned its home base from Delhi to Kolkata—the heart of Indian Football and the capital of West Bengal—in 2019, and will maintain this status for the sixth consecutive edition.

For the 134th IndianOil Durand Cup, six venues have been designated: two in Kolkata (Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan and Kishore Bharti Krirangan), and one each in Imphal (Khuman Lampak stadium), Ranchi (Morhabadi Stadium or Jamshedpur - JRD Tata Sports Complex), Shillong (Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium), and Kokrajhar (SAI Stadium).

North East United FC are the defending champions, having triumphed over Mohun Bagan in a thrilling final last year to secure their historic maiden title.

On Tuesday, the Steel City of India eagerly anticipated the 134th IndianOil Durand Cup, as it prepares to host Asia’s oldest football tournament for the second consecutive year.

The trophies then journeyed through key city landmarks, including Mango Bus Stand, Sakchi Circle, and JUSCO Circle, before being exhibited at the JRD TATA Sports Complex, which will host the matches. Later, the trophies were also showcased at Bistupur Square.

The Trophy tour continues on Wednesday from Jubilee Park before concluding at P&M Mall, the final stop of the tour.

Jamshedpur will host four teams, including the pride of the Steel City, Jamshedpur FC, 1 Ladakh FC making their Durand Cup debut, Indian Army FT, and a Foreign Services Team adding an international flavor to the tournament.

A total of seven matches, including one quarter-final, will take place at the JRD Tata Sports Complex, with the first match set for July 24 and additional group stage matches on July 29, August 2, 5, 8, and 11. The quarterfinals are scheduled for August 17.