By Our Reporter
Shillong, Sep 28: The iconic Bordoloi Trophy, one of India’s oldest and most prestigious football tournaments, is set to make a triumphant return with a revamped format. After a period of decline, the Guwahati Sports Association (GSA) has pledged to revive and rebrand the 72-year-old competition.
The tournament, named after Assam’s first Chief Minister Gopinath Bordoloi, will feature over 5,600 players across 610 matches, spread over three months starting from January 2025. This marks a significant expansion from previous editions.
“We aim to bring back the glory days of the Bordoloi Trophy, which holds a special place in the hearts of Assam’s people,” said Devajit Saikia, GSA’s general secretary. “With the support of the state government, we are introducing a new format to make the tournament more inclusive and exciting.”
Under the new format, the tournament will be held in three phases: district level, cluster level, and the final round. The district champions will compete in the cluster round, and the top two teams from each cluster will advance to the final round. The final round will be played at the Judges’ Field in Shillong and will also feature the top two teams from the Guwahati Premier League.
The GSA hopes that the expanded format will provide more opportunities for players across the state to showcase their talent and contribute to the development of football in Assam. The tournament will also feature teams from neighboring states and countries, providing a platform for international competition.With the support of the state government and the enthusiastic participation of players and fans, the Bordoloi Trophy is poised for a successful revival and a bright future.
