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The city of Guwahati on Thursday welcomed the iconic Durand Cup Trophies at Hotel Taj Vivanta, also marking the commencement of the Trophy Tour for the 135th Durand Cu Durand Cp.
The arrival of the three historic trophies heralds the countdown to India's prestigious and Asia's oldest football tournament, celebrating centuries of sporting excellence while reinforcing Assam's rich footballing tradition. The Trophy Display Ceremony was graced by Biswajit Daimary, Minister for Sports & Youth Welfare, Assam, as the Chief Guest. He was accompanied by Kausar Jamil Hilaly, IAS (Retd.), Special Secretary, Department of Sports & Youth Welfare, Ankur Bharali, ACS, Director, Sports & Youth Welfare, Assam and renowned footballer Parthib Sundar Gogoi, highlighting the State's enduring commitment to the promotion of football. Maj Gen Dinesh Kumar Singh, SM, VSM, General Officer Commanding, Bengal Sub Area, Maj Gen Amit Dhir, VSM, Chief of Staff, Gajraj Corps and Brig Anupam Sharma, Commander, Tamulpur Brigade, represented the Indian Army. The event reaffirmed the commitment of the Indian Army in promoting sports, empowering youth and strengthening the enduring bond between the Armed Forces and the people of the North East. While delivering the inaugural address Maj Gen Amit Dhir highlighted the significance of organising the Durand Cup in Assam and North East India the heartland of Indian football. Maj Gen Dinesh Kumar Singh, SM, VSM, General Officer Commanding, Bengal Sub Area and Vice Chairman of Durand Cup Football Committee commended efforts of both Military and Civilian agencies involved in the conduct of event and reaffirmed the continuous efforts to support and promote football in the region. Parthib Sundar Gogoi in his speech motivated the masses and appealed to turn up in numbers to witness the forthcoming fixtures. Biswajit Daimary, Minister for Sports & Youth Welfare, Assam delivered the keynote address highlighting the importance of football for the state of Assam and thanked the Indian Army for the tireless efforts in the conduct of Durand Cup in Assam. The event culminated in ceremonial display of the prestigious Durand Cup Trophies followed by impressive military flagging off ceremony for Trophy Tour. The historic trophies will be toured through Guwahati city and will be displayed at New Legislative Assembly Building, Lachit Borphakan Statue, IIT Guwahati and City Centre Mall over next two days. The Trophy Display succeeded by Trophy Tour marks the beginning of Durand Cup journey, symbolising the unifying spirit of football by bringing communities together, inspiring young talent and reaffirming the commitment of Indian Army in promoting football culture. (ANI)
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