Guwahati: Meghalaya is gearing up to host the 135th edition of the Durand Cup, with Shillong set to stage several important fixtures of India’s oldest football tournament beginning later this month.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla said hosting the prestigious competition reflects Meghalaya‘s deep-rooted football tradition and the enthusiasm of its fans. He also wished the state’s three participating clubs-Shillong Lajong FC, Nongthymmai Sports Social & Cultural Club and Rangdajied United FC success in their campaign, expressing hope they would deliver impressive performances.
Lt Gen Mohit Wadhwa (SM), General Officer Commanding, 101 Area, briefed the media on the tournament’s format and match schedule.
This year’s Durand Cup will feature 24 teams, divided into six groups, with matches to be played across five host cities-Shillong, Guwahati, Kolkata, Ranchi and Imphal.
Shillong’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium has been selected to host eight matches, including six group-stage encounters, a quarter-final and a semi-final, underlining the city’s importance in this year’s tournament.
The competition will kick off on July 31, while the final is scheduled to be played on August 23.
Tournament organisers also confirmed that, in addition to the three local clubs, a prominent team from Mumbai will play its matches in Shillong, promising football fans an exciting lineup of fixtures.
With leading domestic teams, high-profile contests and knockout matches on the schedule, Shillong is expected to witness another vibrant edition of the Durand Cup, reinforcing Meghalaya‘s standing as one of India’s leading football destinations.