Kokrajhar Rolls Out Red Carpet For 134th Durand Cup Trophies

Last Updated:July 15, 2025, 16:48 IST

Kokrajhar, Assam hosted the 134th Indian Oil Durand Cup trophy display, featuring the Durand Cup, Shimla Trophy, and President’s Cup. Six matches will be held at SAI Stadium.

Durand Cup trophies. (News18.com/Ritayan Basu)

In a vibrant celebration of India’s football heritage, Kokrajhar, Assam hosted the esteemed trophy display ceremony of the 134th Indian Oil Durand Cup – Asia’s oldest football tournament – at the Bodofa Cultural Complex on Tuesday.

The event attracted large crowds, showcasing the town’s growing passion for the sport. The dazzling trio of trophies – the Durand Cup, the Shimla Trophy (introduced in 1904), and the President’s Cup – were revealed in spectacular fashion, igniting local pride and excitement for the upcoming matches.

This year marks the third consecutive time Kokrajhar has been chosen as one of the tournament’s host cities. Chief Guest Nandita Gorlosa, Assam’s Minister for Sports & Youth Welfare, Indigenous and Tribal Faith & Culture, highlighted the significance of such events in promoting youth involvement and sporting talent across the state.

Senior Indian Army officials, including Major General H.S. Bajaj, VSM (Chief of Staff, Gajraj Corps), Major General Rajesh Arun Moghe, VSM (GOC, Bengal Sub Area), and Major General Rohin Bawa, YSM (GOC, Red Horns Division), also attended the ceremony. Their presence underscored the Indian Army’s enduring role in organizing the Durand Cup and fostering civil-military cooperation.

The SAI Stadium in Kokrajhar will host six matches this year, featuring teams like Bodoland FC, Punjab FC, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Football Team, and Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC competing for victory.

Local fans are eagerly awaiting the action, especially the opening match between ITBP and Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC on July 27. This year’s tournament spans six venues across five states – Assam, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, and Manipur — celebrating India’s widespread football enthusiasm.

As the trophies made their ceremonial journey through Kokrajhar, they represented more than just sporting excellence – they carried hopes, unity, and the promise of unforgettable football moments ahead.

What Is The Durand Cup?

Established in 1888 in Annadale, Shimla, the Durand Cup is India’s premier annual domestic football competition and a tournament of significant historical importance. It is currently hosted by the Durand Football Tournament Society (DFTS) in collaboration with the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

The event boasts the impressive legacy of being Asia’s oldest surviving club football tournament and the world’s fifth oldest national football competition. Today, the tournament signals the official commencement of every Indian football season. Participation is open to all national clubs, alongside guest teams from the Indian Armed Forces, a unique feature that keeps a cherished, century-old tradition intact.

With IANS Inputs

News18 Sports brings you the latest updates, live commentary, and highlights from cricket, football, tennis, badmintion, wwe and more. Catch breaking news, live scores, and in-depth coverage. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

Location :

First Published:

News sports » football Kokrajhar Rolls Out Red Carpet For 134th Durand Cup Trophies