The 135th edition of the Indian Oil Durand Cup kicked off in grand style in Guwahati on Saturday, with a spectacular opening ceremony blending football, military prowess and Assam’s vibrant cultural heritage. Held at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Sarusajai, the ceremony marked the formal inauguration of Asia’s oldest football tournament. The event was jointly organised by the Indian Army and the Government of Assam.
Assam Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Biswajit Daimary, Finance and other key portfolios Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah, and IndianOil Corporation Limited Chairman Arvinder Singh Sahney were among the prominent dignitaries present.
The ceremony also witnessed the presence of senior military officers, including Lt Gen V.M. Bhuvana Krishnan, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command; Lt Gen RP Kalita (Retd); Lt Gen Neeraj Shukla, General Officer Commanding, Gajraj Corps; and Maj Gen Rohin Bawa, General Officer Commanding, Red Horns Division.
Adding a touch of military spectacle to the sporting extravaganza, the Indian Army showcased a series of aerial and adventure demonstrations, including a hot-air balloon display, combat free fall, aeromodelling and precision helicopter flypasts. The cultural segment featured performances by the Army Jazz Band, Pipe Band, NCC Girls Band and a military dog squad. The iconic Assam Regiment song “Badluram Ka Badan” further energised the gathering.
The rich cultural traditions of Assam were also brought to the forefront through vibrant performances of Bagurumba, Bardwi Sikhla and Bhortal. The celebrations were followed by the tournament’s opening clash between NorthEast United FC and Bodoland FC, setting the stage for the Group F fixtures scheduled to be played in Guwahati.
The Durand Cup, which has a legacy spanning more than a century, continues to serve as a platform for sporting excellence, camaraderie and national integration. The grand opening in Guwahati also underlined Assam’s growing prominence as a sporting destination and highlighted the partnership between the Indian Army and the Assam government in promoting football and encouraging the state’s youth to embrace sport.