Durand Cup trophies arrive in city

Shillong, India Jul 11, 2026 ALN: The three iconic trophies of the 135th Durand Cup arrived in Shillong, marking the beginning of another exciting chapter for one of Asia’s oldest and the world’s third-oldest football tournaments. The Durand Cup, established in 1888, holds a significant place in the history of Indian football and has been a platform for showcasing local talent and fostering the sport across the nation.

The trophies will be touring Shillong City, Jowai, and Tura, allowing the public to have a closer view of Asia’s oldest trophies before the tournament starts. This initiative not only promotes the tournament but also engages local communities, enhancing their connection to the sport. The trophy showcase and flagging off ceremony kicked off from the venue at the State Convention Centre in the presence of various dignitaries, including Wailadmiki Shylla, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs; Lieutenant General Mohit Wadhwa, GOC 101 Area; Air Marshal Devendra P Hirani, Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO), Eastern Air Command (EAC), Shillong; Idashisha Nongrang, DGP, Police; Major General D.K. Singh, Bengal Sub Area and Vice Chairman, DCOC; Isawanda Laloo, IAS, Secretary, Department of Sports & Youth Affairs; along with several senior military officers, officials, representatives of participating teams, and others.

Speaking on the occasion, Shylla expressed pride in Shillong hosting another season of the 135th Edition of the Durand Cup. He stated, “Football is not merely a game in our state—it is part of our identity. It is played in every village, every school, every town and every district. It unites communities, inspires our youth and brings immense pride to our state.” His remarks highlight the cultural significance of football in , where the sport transcends mere recreation and serves as a unifying force among diverse communities.

Shylla expressed his gratitude to the Indian Armed Forces and the Durand Cup Organising Committee for their continued trust in Shillong, while conveying the State’s aspiration to host the Durand Cup final in the years ahead. This ambition reflects the state's growing confidence in its capabilities to manage large-scale events and its commitment to promoting sports as a vehicle for development.

Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, the Government has made sports a key pillar of the state’s development agenda, viewing it as an investment in the state’s youth and future. The government’s strategic approach includes fostering athletic talent and enhancing infrastructure, which is evident in the participation of over 35,000 individuals in sporting events across the state annually. This investment in grassroots sports is crucial for nurturing future talents and providing them with the necessary platforms to excel.

Since 2022, Shillong has successfully hosted more than 14 national and international sporting events, reinforcing its emergence as a leading sports destination. The state has been investing in world-class infrastructure, athlete development programmes, and grassroots sporting initiatives to create an ecosystem where young athletes can compete, excel, and pursue professional careers in the field of sports. This multi-faceted approach not only enhances the sporting landscape but also contributes to the local economy by boosting employment and tourism.

The long-term vision of the government is to harness sports as a powerful driver for inclusive development, which is being strengthened with different infrastructural initiatives undertaken. Notable projects include the upcoming Mawkhanu Football Stadium, which is poised to be India’s largest football stadium, and ongoing upgrades to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong. These developments are critical for establishing Shillong as one of the premier sporting destinations in India, capable of hosting larger events and attracting more visitors.

Isawanda Laloo, Secretary, Department of Sports & Youth Affairs, stated, “Being entrusted with hosting the Durand Cup for the third year in succession is a matter of great pride. More importantly, it reflects the growing confidence in Shillong’s administrative capabilities, its sporting infrastructure, and its unwavering commitment to delivering sporting excellence of the highest standards.” Her comments underscore the importance of effective governance and infrastructure in facilitating successful sporting events.

Laloo further emphasized that under the visionary leadership of the Chief Minister and the continued guidance of the Sports Minister, sports has emerged as one of the key pillars of the state’s development agenda. As the State prepares to host the 39th National Games next year, she noted that the Government has adopted a long-term approach that extends beyond hosting sporting events. The focus is on building an inclusive sporting ecosystem where quality infrastructure, athlete development, coaching programmes, institutional partnerships, and good governance come together to create sustainable opportunities for sport. “Our aspiration is to see our athletes stand on podiums and bring home medals for the state and the country,” she said, highlighting the ambition of local athletes to compete at the highest levels.

The 135th Indian Oil Durand Cup comes at a historic moment for Shillong, ahead of hosting the prestigious 39th National Games in 2027. The government has allocated Rs 1800 crore as investment in sports infrastructure, backed by a Rs 844 crore budget for sports for the current fiscal year. These initiatives prove that the state is not only upgrading infrastructure but also setting a long-term legacy of sports excellence across the Northeast, which is often underrepresented in national sports narratives.

Lieutenant General Mohit Wadhwa noted that Shillong has become an important part of the Durand Cup’s journey. He stated that Shillong has firmly established itself as one of the tournament’s key venues, owing to its vibrant football culture and the unwavering support of its fans. The passion for football in is palpable, with local clubs and players often drawing large crowds and fostering a competitive spirit that is vital for the growth of the sport.

He added that the continued collaboration and wholehearted support extended by the Government have been instrumental in successfully hosting the tournament and strengthening Shillong’s position as a premier destination for Indian football. This collaboration between military, government, and local organizations is crucial for the seamless execution of events and reflects a model of cooperation that can be replicated in other regions.

Lieutenant General Wadhwa also expressed his appreciation to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma for his vision and commitment towards sports development, stating that the government’s sustained investments in sports infrastructure have created an enabling environment for hosting marquee sporting events such as the Durand Cup. This not only boosts local morale but also provides a platform for athletes to showcase their skills on a larger stage.

This year’s Durand Cup will also witness three local homegrown teams from Shillong—Shillong Lajong FC, Nongkseh SS&CC, and Langsning FC—participating in the tournament. The inclusion of local teams in a prestigious tournament like the Durand Cup is significant as it allows local talent to compete against stronger teams, providing invaluable experience and exposure. The Durand Cup 2026, scheduled from July 25 to August 23, 2026, will span across five states—West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, Manipur, and . Shillong will host eight matches, including a quarterfinal and a semifinal, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, further cementing its role as a central hub for football in the region.