Durand Cup: Football is not only a game, but an emotion, says Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Kokrajhar

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh believes that Assam and especially Kokrajhar will be able to produce quality players in the days to come

By Mizink Wary

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today was overwhelmed with the kind of football craze in Assam’s Kokrajhar district as he graced the Opening Ceremony of Durand Cup, the Asia’s Oldest Football tournament.

It was a fan packed SAI Stadium in Kokrajhar as football enthusiasts did not want to miss the oppurtunity of the glittering opening ceremony.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressing the gathering said,”People told me that the Northeast is popular for its enthusiasm for football. But today I can see it with my own eyes. The kind of enthusiasm I can see amongst you has made me accept that hearts of the people in Northeast are connected to football.
Football is not only a game but an emotion.”

Rajnath Singh was also in all praise of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for playing a pivotal role in developing the sports sector.

The Defence Minister said,”It is indeed a joyous moment that the Durand Cup is being held in Kokrajhar when Himanta Biswa Sarma is the Chief Minister, who himself is an admirer of football.

In football, a player inspite of being surrounded by opponents manages to net a goal. Similarly the way in which Himanta Biswa Sarma during his term has managed to overcome numerous challenges and has diplayed his ability. I want to congratulate him for the way he has freed Assam from several issues. I want to congratulate Himanta Biswa Sarma for the kind of his leadership to transform Assam.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh believes that organising Durand Cup in Assam and especially in Kokrajhar will go a long way in producing football talents.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma speaking on the occasion said that the organising the Durand Cup in Kokrajhar reflects the aspects of peace and harmony in the Bodo Territorial Region (BTR).

Chief Minister Sarma also reiterated that a stadium at a cost of Rs 110 crore will be set up in Kokrajhar, for which works will begin in November this year.

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