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Guwahati, July 16, : : Assam reaffirmed its commitment to football on Thursday as the trophy tour of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup arrived in Guwahati, marking the city’s fifth consecutive year as a host venue for Asia’s oldest football tournament.
The two-day city tour was launched with a trophy unveiling and press conference at Hotel Vivanta. The event was led by Hon’ble Minister for Sports & Youth Welfare, Government of Assam, Shri Biswajit Daimary.
Senior officials including Shri Kausar Jamil Hilaly, IAS (Retd.), Special Secretary, Sports & Youth Welfare; Major General Dinesh Kumar Singh, SM, VSM, Vice Chairman, Durand Cup Organising Committee; Major General Amit Dhir, VSM, Chief of Staff, Gajraj Corps; and Parthib Gogoi, forward of defending champions NorthEast United FC, were present.
“Football is integral to Assam’s culture”
Addressing the gathering, Minister Biswajit Daimary said football is not just a matter of pride but also a chance to inspire the next generation.
“Along with world-class stadiums, we must provide playgrounds and competitive opportunities where children can develop skills from an early age. If we continue investing in our youth and work with organisations like the Indian Army, I am confident India can emerge as a strong footballing nation,” he said.
Major General Dinesh Kumar Singh added that the Durand Cup “is a platform that inspires young footballers across the Northeast and strengthens the growth of Indian football.”
Parthib Gogoi, representing NorthEast United FC, said winning last year taught the team that “success comes through determination, hard work, and self-belief.”
Trophy Tour Across Guwahati
Following the ceremony, the Durand Cup, President’s Cup, and Simla Trophy began a two-day tour of Guwahati. The trophies will visit the Assam Legislative Assembly, Veer Lachit Barphukan Statue, IIT Guwahati, and City Centre Mall, giving fans a chance to witness the historic silverware.
Tournament Details
Since 2023, Assam has been a key host. This year, Guwahati will host all six Group F matches featuring NorthEast United FC, Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC, Bodoland FC, and FC 1. Three of the four clubs are from Assam.
The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup will be held from July 25 to August 23, 2026 across five cities: Kolkata, Shillong, Imphal, Guwahati, and Ranchi, which joins as a host city for the first time.
Organised by the Indian Army’s Eastern Command, the Durand Cup is the world’s third-oldest football tournament, started in 1888. The 2026 edition will feature 24 teams, including Sri Lanka Armed Forces, playing 43 matches.
The tournament kicks off on July 25 at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan with the Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC. The final will be played at the same venue on August 23.
