Kokrajar: The first match in Kokrajhar for the 133rd Durand Cup was played on July 30. The match was played on the SAI Stadium ground in the afternoon. The match was attended by a large number of enthusiastic locals who witnessed the match. In the opening match, Northeast United FC defeated Bodoland FC with a goal difference of 2:0.
While the 1st half of the match was a goal-less tie, the second half was dominated by NEUFC. Two goals by Jithin M.S. and Ankith Padmanabhan ensured NorthEast United secured all three points in the opening match of Group E. Bodoland did create a couple of chances and came close to equalising but Mitinga Dwimary’s effort went wide. The home side had 15 attempts on goal but just one of them was on target.
The 133rd Durand Cup commenced in Kokrajhar with an exhilarating opening ceremony at the SAI Stadium. The ceremonial kick-off was attended by Lotay Tshering, Former PM of Bhutan as the chief guest. Pramod Boro, Chief Executive Member of the Bodoland Territorial Council and Lalnghinglova, Minister of State for Sports and Youth Services Department, Govt of Mizoram also attended the event.
Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari, UYSM, AVSM, SM, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command and Patron, Durand Cup Organizing Committee, Air Marshal SP Dharkar, PVSM, AVSM, AOC-in-C, Eastern Air Command, Lt Gen RC Srikanth, VSM, COS, Eastern Command and Chairman, Durand Cup Organizing Committee and Lt Gen Manish Erry, UYSM, AVSM, SM, GOC, 4 Corps and eminent civil & military dignitaries attended the opening ceremony.
The enthusiastic crowd was treated to a spectacular opening ceremony. It began with a breathtaking skydiving display by the elite 11 Para Special Forces followed by a mesmerizing fly-past by the Army Aviation Helicopters. The attendees also enjoyed a vibrant cultural performance, highlighting India’s diverse heritage. The cultural showcase included a fusion of military and local dances, featuring Chenda, Kalaripayattu, Bhangra, Bihu, Bagarumba and Garo dance, alongside performances by the renowned 12 Grenadiers Jazz Band.
