Guwahati, July 16 (IANS) The countdown to the 135th Indian Oil Durand Cup began in Assam on Thursday with the arrival of the tournament’s iconic trophies in Guwahati, marking the launch of the trophy tour ahead of Asia’s oldest and India’s most prestigious football competition, officials said.

The three historic trophies were unveiled during a ceremonial function at a luxurious hotel here in the presence of Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Biswajit Daimary, senior Indian Army officials, state government representatives and noted footballer Parthib Sundar Gogoi.

The event underscored Assam’s growing stature as a major football destination and highlighted the Northeast’s enduring contribution to Indian football.

Senior Indian Army officers, including General Officer Commanding of Bengal Sub Area, Major General Dinesh Kumar Singh, and Chief of Staff of Gajraj Corps, Major General Amit Dhir, attended the ceremony along with senior officials of the Sports and Youth Welfare Department.

Addressing the gathering, Major General Amit Dhir described Assam and the Northeast as the heartland of Indian football and said hosting the Durand Cup in the region reflects its rich footballing legacy and passionate fan base.

Major General Dinesh Kumar Singh lauded the coordinated efforts of the Army and civil administration in organising the tournament and reiterated the Armed Forces’ commitment to promoting football and nurturing young sporting talent in the region.

Footballer Parthib Sundar Gogoi urged supporters to turn out in large numbers for the matches and encouraged young players to draw inspiration from one of the country’s most celebrated football tournaments.

Speaking at the event, Sports Minister Biswajit Daimary emphasised football’s special place in Assam’s sporting culture and thanked the Indian Army for consistently bringing the prestigious tournament to the state and strengthening football infrastructure and opportunities for local players.

The ceremony concluded with the formal unveiling of the Durand Cup trophies and a military flag-off for the trophy tour.

Over the next two days, the trophies will be displayed at the New Legislative Assembly Building, the statue of Lachit Borphukan, IIT Guwahati and City Centre Mall, allowing football fans to witness the silverware ahead of the tournament.

The trophy tour is expected to build excitement across Assam as the state prepares to host another edition of the historic competition.

–IANS

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