Durand cup trophy tour begins in Shillong ahead of 135th Edition
Football fever has once again gripped Meghalaya as the three iconic trophies of the 135th Durand Cup arrived in Shillong, marking the beginning of the countdown to one of Asia’s oldest and the world’s third-oldest football tournaments. The trophies were unveiled at a grand ceremony held at the State Convention Centre before embarking on a public tour across Shillong, Jowai and Tura, giving football fans a chance to witness the prestigious silverware ahead of the tournament’s kick-off on July 25.
The trophy unveiling and flag-off ceremony was attended by Meghalaya Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla, GOC 101 Area Lieutenant General Mohit Wadhwa, Eastern Air Command Senior Air Staff Officer Air Marshal Devendra P. Hirani, Meghalaya Director General of Police Idashisha Nongrang, GOC Bengal Sub Area Major General D.K. Singh, Sports and Youth Affairs Secretary Isawanda Laloo, senior military officers, government officials and representatives of participating teams.
Addressing the gathering, Sports Minister Wailadmiki Shylla said football is deeply rooted in Meghalaya’s identity and culture, describing it as a sport that unites communities and inspires young people across the state. He thanked the Indian Armed Forces and the Durand Cup Organising Committee for once again placing their trust in Meghalaya and expressed hope that the state would eventually earn the opportunity to host the tournament final.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to sports, the minister said Meghalaya has made sports a key pillar of its development agenda under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. More than 35,000 athletes now participate in sporting events across the state every year, while Meghalaya has successfully hosted over 14 national and international sporting events since 2022. He added that continued investment in sports infrastructure is creating opportunities for young athletes while boosting tourism, employment and the overall sports ecosystem.
The state government has invested heavily in world-class sporting infrastructure and grassroots development programmes. Among its flagship projects is the upcoming Mawkhanu Football Stadium, which is expected to become India’s largest football stadium, alongside major upgrades to Shillong’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and several other sports facilities. These initiatives are aimed at transforming Meghalaya into one of India’s premier sporting destinations.
Sports and Youth Affairs Secretary Isawanda Laloo said hosting the Durand Cup for the third consecutive year reflects the growing confidence in Meghalaya’s administrative capabilities and sporting infrastructure. She noted that preparations for the 39th National Games in 2027 are progressing with a long-term vision focused on athlete development, quality coaching, institutional partnerships and sustainable sports governance. According to her, the state’s ultimate goal is to produce athletes capable of winning medals at the national and international levels.
The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup comes at a significant time for Meghalaya, with the state preparing to host the 39th National Games in 2027. The government has earmarked ₹1,800 crore for sports infrastructure development and allocated ₹844 crore for the sports sector in the current financial year, underlining its ambition to establish a lasting sporting legacy in the Northeast.
Lieutenant General Mohit Wadhwa described Shillong as one of the Durand Cup’s most important venues, praising the city’s passionate football culture and enthusiastic supporters. He also acknowledged the Meghalaya Government’s continued support in successfully hosting the tournament and commended Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma for prioritising sports infrastructure, which has strengthened the state’s ability to host major sporting events.
The 135th Durand Cup will be held from July 25 to August 23 across five states, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, Manipur and Meghalaya. Shillong will host eight matches, including a quarter-final and a semi-final, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The tournament will also feature three homegrown Meghalaya clubs like Shillong Lajong FC, Nongkseh SS&CC and Langsning FC adding further excitement for local football fans.
