Meghalaya Ready to Host Asia’s Oldest Tournament Durand Cup 2024

As Shillong gears up to host the prestigious Indian Oil Durand Cup 2024 tournament for the very first time, Meghalaya Sports Minister, Shakliar Warjri on Wednesday visited the JN Stadium to inspect preparations for the upcoming matches.

The opening ceremony of the tournament will take place on August 2, at JN Stadium Complex. While speaking to media, Sports minister Warjri stated that 98 percent of the preparations are complete and that everything will be ready for the opening ceremony day after tomorrow.

He also encouraged sports enthusiasts in the state to attend the event and support the participating teams.

As per inputs, the inaugural match will be held at JN Stadium between Shillong Lajong and Tribhuvan Army Football Club. The city will host six matches in the football tournament.

The inaugural ceremony will witness Air Force display teams, dance and musical extravaganza.

The Durand Cup marks a significant moment for local sports fans and is expected to draw considerable attention.

On Tuesday, a spectacular opening ceremony heralded the start of the Durand Cup in Kokrajhar. An impressive array of performances was witnessed, displaying both military and cultural heritage. Fly past of army aviation helicopters were witnessed followed by a spectacular sky-diving ceremony.

Mizoram’s Minister of State for Sports and Youth Services Department Lalnghinglova Hmar, former Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, BTR chief executive member Pramod Boro, Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command attended the event.

The opening ceremony witnessed 10,000 football enthusiasts, throng the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Stadium from across the state.