-“Football is the most loved and followed sport in Meghalaya” Conrad-
In a program held at U Soso Tham Auditorium today, Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, showcased the Durand Cup Trophy for the 2024 Durand Cup which will be the 133rd edition of the Durand Cup. Also present were, Minister, Sports & Youth Affairs, Meghalaya, Shakliar Warjri, Air Marshal, EAC, S P Dharkar, Lt Gen Sanjay Malik, GOC, 101 Area, GOC, Bengal sub-area, Vice Chairman DC-OC, Maj Gen Rajesh A Moghe, ADG NCC, Maj Gen Gagan Deep and Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Meghalaya, Dr Shakil Ahammed.
Speaking during the occasion, Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, said that although the State was keen to host the Durand Cup last year itself he expressed happiness that the state is hosting it this year. “I am very happy and privileged that Meghalaya is also a part of the oldest football tournament in Asia and the fifth oldest national competition in the world,” he said. He further said that the government will extend all support to ensure that the tournament is a great success.
The Chief Minister also said that Sports is at the centre of the government’s policies and programs. “The government has always focused on the stakeholder approach instead of scheme based approach for development in the state.,” he informed and added that this approach has completely changed the dynamics of performance. He also said that the government has invested largely in youth and the support required for Sports to a large extent in the last few years. “In the last six years we have committed about 1000 Cr to investments in Sports infrastructures. “The support that we give to different sports associations, organisations and tournaments is also important,” he said. He also spelled out the initiatives of the state government to give impetus to Sports and added that the investments of the government in youth in different sectors like Sports and Music will bring huge dividends.
He concluded by urging the citizens to be a part of the Durand Cup 2024 which is in a way a means of national integration and also showing our respect to the armed forces.
Earlier, Lt Gen Sanjay Malik, GOC, 101 Area said that six matches of the Durand Cup 2024 will be held in Shillong for the first time. “This will certainly act as a harbinger for many more prestigious football tournaments to be held in Shillong,” he said. He added that having the Durand Cup matches in Shillong will give a fillip to budding footballers of Meghalaya to excel in football. He also informed that neighbouring countries of Nepal and Bangladesh will be competing in this year’s tournament.
The inaugural match will be held at JN Stadium between Shillong Lajong and Tribhuvan Army Football Club on 2nd August at 4.00 pm. The inaugural ceremony will witness Air Force display teams, dance and musical extravaganza.
Later the Chief Minister also flagged off the Durand Cup 2024 Trophy roadshow.
