Kokrajhar All Geared Up To Host Grand Opening of 133rd Durand Cup with Military Displays and Football Spectacle

The opening ceremony, scheduled for July 30 at 3 PM, will feature a series of thrilling military displays by the Indian Armed Forces and a vibrant cultural fiesta by the

Kokrajhar, the ‘City of Peace’, is set to host the grand opening ceremony and the inaugural match of the 133rd Durand Cup at the SAI Stadium on July 30, 2024. This marks the beginning of seven matches in Kokrajhar, running from July 30 to August 21, 2024.

The opening ceremony, scheduled for July 30 at 3 PM, will feature a series of thrilling military displays by the Indian Armed Forces and a vibrant cultural fiesta by the locals. The festivities align with Anti-Terrorism Day, celebrating the return of peace and prosperity to the region. Gates will open at 12 noon to welcome spectators.

The Trophy Display Ceremony at Bodofa Auditorium on July 14, 2024, and the subsequent Trophy Tour across five districts of the Bodoland Territorial Region have sparked significant excitement among the locals.

The Indian Army, in collaboration with the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), has meticulously prepared for the event. Extensive renovations at the stadium include upgraded floodlights for night matches and a state-of-the-art drainage system to ensure uninterrupted play, even in rainy conditions.

The inaugural match will see a face-off between local favorites Bodoland FC and North East United FC, promising an exciting start to the tournament.

This year’s Durand Cup features 24 teams competing across four cities: Kolkata, Shillong, Jamshedpur, and Kokrajhar.

Kokrajhar is hosting the prestigious tournament for the second time and has made significant improvements to avoid the issues faced during the previous edition.

Speaking to Northeast Live on July 23, Assam Football Association General Secretary Sangrang Brahma said, “The ground has undergone immense renovation in the past year, and today, we can proudly say that this is one of the best football grounds in the northeast. We are confident we can host the tournament without any hiccups.”

The 133rd Durand Cup commenced in Kolkata on July 27, 2024, with matches also taking place in Shillong and Jamshedpur.

Kokrajhar will host a total of six league matches and a quarter-final will be held, contributing to the tournament’s storied legacy.

PRO Defence Guwahati, emphasized the significance of the event, highlighting the collaboration and efforts of the Indian Army and BTC to ensure its success.

COMMENTS