KOKRAJHAR, JULY 31: The unmatched sounds of Bagurumba, Bihu and Bhangra dances in the city of peace Kokrajhar, the spectacular aerial display of Indian Army combat helicopters marked the grand opening ceremony of the second edition of the 133rd Durand Cup carrying the message of peace and national unity at the Kokrajhar SAI Stadium on Thursday. As the Indian tricolour was hoisted by the members of the Indian Army through skydiving, the stadium reverberated with joy and enthusiasm.
Thousands of football lovers braved the rain to witness the opening ceremony with a spectacular performance by the Indian Army and a cultural programme of folk dances from different parts of the country.
Pramod Boro, the chief executive member of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), welcomed everyone and hailed the commencement of long-term peace in Bodoland. He stated that the peace experiment in Bodoland, which began with the BTR(Bodoland Territorial Region) Peace Accord 2020, is now succeeding, and that a historical tournament such as the Durand Cup will stand as a witness to this transition.
He appreciated the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the constant guidance of Union Home Minister, Amit Shah and the support and commitment of Assam Chief Minister, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma for prioritizing the cause of peace and development in Bodoland. He mentioned that the new peaceful and vibrant atmosphere in BTR has been created by proper leadership at the Centre and State and the hard work done by the local council level leadership. He reiterated that the development of sports and welfare of sportspersons has been one of the priorities of the BTR government. He thanked Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for giving a new multipurpose stadium in Kokrajhar. The work related to the construction of this new stadium will start soon.
Boro congratulated the Indian Army for hosting the Durand Cup in Kokrajhar for the second year in a row during his welcome remarks. He praised the Indian Army personnel and Bodoland Territorial Council officials for their efforts throughout the tournament’s preparation stage. The facilities of the Kokrajhar SAI Stadium have been considerably improved, including advanced floodlights for evening matches and a cutting-edge drainage technology to combat rain, ensuring smooth play.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in a message said, “Good luck to all the teams participating in the #DurandCup2024 tournament. The oldest football tournament in Asia, the Durand Cup brings with it a rich and glorious legacy.
As the Assam leg of the tournament begins in Kokrajhar, the apostle of peace, hope the spirit of sportsmanship binds everyone together!”
Mizoram Sports Minister and All India Football Federation League chairman, Lalnghinglova Hmar, the chief guest of the opening ceremony, declared the games open by formally launching the football before the first match between Bodoland FC and North East United FC.
On the occasion, many dignitaries including former Prime Minister of Bhutan Dr. Lotay Tsering, senior military officers of Eastern Command Lieutenant General RC Tiwari, RC Srikant, Air Marshal SP Dharkar, Munish Eri, Bodo Sahitya Sabha president Surath Narzary, Bodoland Legislative Assembly Speaker Katiram Boro, Executive Member for Sports Daobaisa Boro, Senior Foreign Service Officer Rupjyoti Karji were present.
