Shillong, July 7: Football fever is set to grip Shillong once again as the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium gears up to host Group E matches of the 134th edition of the prestigious Durand Cup.
Local favourites Shillong Lajong FC will kick off their campaign on July 26 against the Foreign Services Team, marking the city’s return as a key venue in India’s oldest football tournament.
Adding further excitement to the local calendar, Shillong will witness a high-voltage derby clash between city rivals Shillong Lajong FC and Rangdajied United FC on July 29 — a match expected to draw massive local support and reignite one of Northeast India’s most passionate football rivalries.
Defending champions NorthEast United FC, also placed in Group E, will start their title defence on August 2 against the Foreign Services Team, ensuring that football fans in Meghalaya are treated to top-tier action through the group stage.
The 134th Durand Cup will officially kick off on July 23 in Kolkata, where Indian football giants East Bengal FC take on South United FC of Bengaluru at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. In total, 24 teams divided into six groups will battle it out across 43 matches in six cities — Kolkata, Shillong, Imphal, Jamshedpur, Kokrajhar, and one more venue yet to be confirmed for the knockout rounds. Group winners and the two best second-placed teams will progress to the quarterfinals, scheduled for August 16 and 17, followed by semifinals on August 19 and 20. The final will be held on August 23.While Kolkata will see traditional powerhouses like East Bengal, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, and Mohammedan Sporting in action, Shillong promises to deliver its own brand of flair and passion, with local clubs and regional pride taking centre stage.As Northeast India continues to cement its reputation as a footballing hotbed, the return of Durand Cup action to Shillong is not just symbolic but strategic — highlighting the region’s growing influence on the national football map.
