By Our Reporter
Tura, July 20: The prestigious 133rd Durand Cup Trophy arrives in Tura where the Showcase and Roadshow of the trophy was organized by the Indian Armed Forces and supported by the Government of Meghalaya. The Trophy Roadshow was flagged off by Deputy Commissioner Incharge Dolrich B G Momin at P A Sangma Stadium, Dakopgre, Tura. The route for the Roadshow started from P A Sangma Stadium via Nazing Bazar, Araimile, Tetengkol, Hawakhana, DC Office and finally Super Market Complex, Tura. The event marks a historic moment for Meghalaya as it hosts the prestigious Durand Cup matches for the first time.
While addressing the gathering during the Durand Cup roadshow, the Deputy Commissioner expressed his gratitude for choosing Tura as one of the destination for the event and said that it is once in a lifetime opportunity for many to see and witness the prestigious Durand Cup Trophy in Garo Hills.
He also informed that six matches of the Durand Cup will be played in Shillong, which would provide a rare opportunity for people to witness a century old tournament in our State Capital. Reading the message from Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills Jagdish Chelani and on behalf of the West Garo Hills District Administration, he wished the best for team Shillong Lajong and other teams participating in the football tournament.
It may be mentioned that the finalists of the recently concluded Tura Football League namely, Chipakore FC and Selsella FC were also introduced before the flag off ceremony at P A Sangma Stadium.
Meanwhile, at the function held at Tura Super Market Complex, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma expressed his happiness for being able to be a part of the Durand Cup Trophy roadshow and proudly informed that Meghalaya is able to co-host the prestigious Durand Cup Trophy.
Since it is one of the oldest tournaments in India and Asia, he said that everyone should feel proud that this tournament is being held in our state for the first time.
Sports enthusiasts, especially football lovers of the region have been looking forward to this for a long time and now they can have the pleasure of watching it in their own ground turf, which not only provides opportunity to merely watch, but also helps to unite football lovers across the country and beyond.
The first five ticket buyers for the upcoming tournament to be held in Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong were distributed by the chief guest and other dignitaries during the event held at Super Market Complex, Tura.
Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, Meghalaya D D Shira, Commandant of Assam Regimental Centre Brigadier Neelesh Anand, and Chairman of Meghalaya Board of School Education were among the many officials present at the event.
A signature campaign to wish Shillong Lajong FC was also conducted during the function where the Speaker and other dignitaries participated.