Inauguration of 132nd Edition of Durand Cup in Kokrajhar; Deets inside

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• Aug 2, 2023 | Poonam Nath

The Trophy Unveiling Ceremony and Trophy Tour on July 22 started excitement among local football enthusiasts...

Digital Desk:  The most anticipated moment is getting closer as Kokrajhar, The City of Peace, prepares to host the 132nd edition of the famous Durand Cup for the first time at SAI Stadium. 

The Trophy Unveiling Ceremony and Trophy Tour on July 22 sparked exhilaration among local football fans. Furthermore, the opening ceremony will take place on August 5 at the SAI Stadium in Kokrajhar.

The world-class stadium is ready to welcome Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and the Chief of Army Staff for the opening event.  

Local football supporters are especially looking forward to the inaugural event because their favourite local team, Bodoland FC, will make its debut against Rajasthan United FC. The city will also host a foreign team, the Tribhuvan Army FC from Nepal.

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The 132nd Durand Cup will include 24 teams, including one from Nepal and one from Bangladesh, who will return to the folds of the Durand Cup Tournament after a 27-year hiatus. 

However, the competition comprises 12 Indian Super League (ISL) teams, five I-League teams, and Downtown Heroes FC of I-League 2, a Srinagar-based club. All three Armed Forces teams, as well as a local team called Bodoland FC, are scheduled to compete.

The tournament is scheduled to be held in three cities: Kolkata, Guwahati, and Kokrajhar, from August 3 to September 3, 2023.

Aside from league matches featuring eight teams, including Odisha FC, Rajasthan United FC, Shillong Lajong, Delhi FC, Army Football Team, Tribhuvan Army FC, Downtown Heroes FC, and the local team of Bodoland FC, Kokrajhar will host a one-Quarter Final on August 24.