BTR Gears Up for 133rd Edition of Durand Cup; Kokrajhar to Host 6 matches

The preparations for the tournament are in the final stages, with the SAI stadium in Kokrajhar renovated using modern technology

Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) is gearing up to host the 133rd edition of the prestigious Durand Cup, Asia’s oldest football tournament, at the SAI Stadium in Kokrajhar.

The unveiling of the 133rd Durand Cup Trophy was held today at Bodofa Cultural Complex in Kokrajhar and the rally commenced from Bodofa Cultural Complex and culminated at Bodofa Nwgwr.

The preparations for the tournament are in the final stages, with the SAI stadium renovated using modern technology to ensure smooth conduct of the tournament.

Speaking to media, Nandita Garlosa, Sports Minister of Assam said, “Today, we have come to Korajhar for unveiling the 133rd Durand Cup Trophy. The tournament will be played in four areas across India, Kokrajhar in Assam, Shillong in Meghalaya, Jamshedpur in Jharkhand and Kolkata in West Bengal. Since the cup will be played in Kokrajhar also, it will bring great enthusiasm among the players and football enthusiasts of the region. The stadium has been upgraded to national standard and all viewers who come to watch the tournament will have a good time.”

Talking to media, BTR CEM Pramod Boro said, “It is a big achievement for us that Kokrajhar is hosting the 133rd Edition of Durand Cup. I would like to thank Indian Army, Chief Minister of Assam, Sports Minister of Assam for giving us the chance to host the Durand Cup in Kokrajhar. It is a big opportunity for Bodoland and for the youth of Bodoland because the tournament is of international standard. The local youth of the region will get to witness such a big tournament in their own hometown. Bodoland FC played last time also and will play this time too. I welcome everyone to Kokrajhar to witness the grand event.”

Speaking to media, Lieutenant General R C Srikanth of Eastern command Army said, “I would like to wish everyone best of luck for the upcoming tournament on behalf of Indian Army. I hope that, in the coming days, there will be an exciting tournament. Indian Army has always worked towards promoting peace and we are very happy that Assam Government and BTR has contributed a lot towards making the tournament a success. In the coming days, we will give Kokrajhar a thrilling tournament and we hope that the tournament will be enjoyed by all.”

The Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, President of India Draupadi Murmu, Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and Chief Minister of Assam Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma were present as guests for the event.

The 133rd edition of the Durand Cup will commence in Kolkata on July 27, with matches also scheduled in Shillong in Meghalaya, Jamshedpur in Jharkhand and Kokrajhar in Assam and Kolkata in West Bengal.

Kokrajhar will host its first match on July 30, featuring six league matches and a quarter-final.

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