The 134th edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup, the country's oldest and most prestigious football tournament, kicked off in grand style on Sunday in Kokrajhar, Assam. This marks the third consecutive year that Kokrajhar is hosting this historic tournament, generating considerable excitement among local football enthusiasts.
Sports News: The 134th IndianOil Durand Cup 2025, India's oldest and most prestigious football tournament, has commenced with a grand opening in Kokrajhar, Assam. Hosting the historic tournament for the third consecutive year, the city of Kokrajhar witnessed a spectacular opening ceremony on Sunday, captivating football fans.
Massive Crowds Gather for Grand Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony began three hours before the match and featured military displays, cultural performances, traditional dances, and music that captivated the audience. The chief guest of the ceremony was Pramod Boro, Chief Executive Member of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), and Lieutenant General Ram Chander Tiwari, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Command, who is also the patron of the Durand Cup organizing committee.
Former Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dr. Lotay Tshering, and Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri were present as special guests on the occasion. Additionally, several military and political dignitaries such as Minister Urkhao Gwra Brahma, Rajya Sabha MP Rwngwra Narzary, Lok Sabha MP Jayanta Basumatary, Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, Major General Rajesh Arun Moghe, and Brigadier Akshay Kapoor graced the event.
A Confluence of Sports, Culture, and Unity
The cultural programs presented at the ceremony, including traditional dances such as Bhangra, Bihu, Bagurumba, Bardwi Sikhla, and Dahal Thungri, connected the audience with local culture. In addition, the flypast by IAF's Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft, the Indian Army's Paramotor Team, Khukuri display, and Hot Air Balloon display made the ceremony thrilling.
Geetashree performed Shakira's world-renowned football anthem "Waka Waka," while Joy Barua and Band's live music made the stadium sway. The closing ceremony featured Chenda drummers, Kalaripayattu, and Chhau dance, making the event memorable.
ITBP FC's Impressive Victory
In the opening match played after the opening ceremony, Indo-Tibetan Border Police FC (ITBP FC) defeated Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC (KAMMS FC) 2-1, making a spectacular start to the tournament. The match was played at SAI Stadium Kokrajhar, which was thronged by a large crowd of spectators. In the match, ITBP kept the opposing team under pressure by displaying excellent strategy and teamwork.
ITBP, which took the lead by scoring a goal in the opening minutes, maintained the lead till the end. KAMMS FC tried to make a comeback but could only score one goal.
Tough Competition in Group D
A total of four teams are included in Group D of the Durand Cup 2024 —
- ITBP FC
- KAMMS FC (Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC)
- Bodoland FC
- Punjab FC (ISL Team)
The matches in this group are expected to be very exciting as all the teams are full of young and enthusiastic players. A total of 7 matches of Group D, including one knockout match, will be played at SAI Stadium. There is tremendous enthusiasm among the local public and football fans regarding these matches and the stadium is expected to be packed for every match.
During the inaugural ceremony, BTC chief Pramod Boro said that football has written a new story of unity and development in Kokrajhar. This tournament has become the biggest platform to give confidence and identity to the youth.
