Shillong, July 9 : The 134th Indian Oil Durand Cup 2025 has officially arrived in Meghalaya, with the unveiling of its three magnificent trophies in Shillong today. The trophy roadshow, which will tour Shillong, Nongstoin, and Tura, signifies the state’s rejoining the roster of host states for one of the world’s oldest football tournaments and underscores its commitment to becoming India’s next sports destination.
The roadshow commenced at the State Convention Centre in the presence of several dignitaries, including Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma; Sports Minister, Shakliar Warjri; Air Marshal Suraj Singh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command; Lieutenant General Sanjay Malik, SM GOC 101 Area; and Lieutenant General Mohit Malhotra, AVSM, SM COS HQ Eastern Command Chairman DCOC.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma expressed immense pride in hosting the 134th edition of the Durand Cup, the 5th oldest tournament globally. He thanked the Indian Armed Forces for selecting Shillong as a venue and confirmed that eight matches will be held at the J.N. Sports Complex in Shillong. He assured that this year’s event would replicate the success of the previous season, which Shillong hosted exceptionally well in terms of atmosphere, arrangements, and fan turnout. The Chief Minister also noted the increased participation of local teams, which is expected to enhance fan engagement.
Highlighting the significant strides in sports development, Chief Minister Sangma stated that approximately 70% of the state’s sports infrastructure has been developed in the last seven years, with an investment of around ₹2000 crore. He announced the ongoing construction of the Mawkhanu Sports Complex, which will be the country’s largest dedicated football stadium. Other key projects mentioned include the upgradation of J.N. Sports complex, Mawdiangdiang Sports Complex, PA Sangma Sports Complex at Tura, Integrated Hospitality and Sports Complex, Shillong, Wahiajer Sports Complex at Jowai, PA Togan Athletic Stadium at Tura, White Water Village at Umtham and Umiam. Furthermore, synthetic athletic tracks will be developed in every district headquarters of Meghalaya. These investments, the Chief Minister affirmed, are part of the government’s vision to establish Shillong as the “Football Capital of India”.
Sports Minister, Shakliar Warjri, reiterated the state’s passion for football, referencing the enthusiasm seen during the last Durand Cup. He affirmed the Government of Meghalaya’s dedication to providing top-notch sports facilities and revealed plans for constructing one of Asia’s largest football stadiums in Mawkhanu, with a 40,000-person capacity. The Minister emphasized the government’s core aim to produce Olympians from Meghalaya and highlighted the sanctioning of ₹39.17 crore in grants to 26 sports associations to support training for the 2027 National Games, with a target of at least 50 medals.
Lieutenant General Sanjay Malik, SM GOC 101 Area, expressed gratitude to the Government of Meghalaya for their unwavering support in preparing the venue and providing logistical and administrative assistance. He believes the trophy roadshow will inspire the younger generation to pursue football and lauded Meghalaya for pro-bono hosting the invited foreign team, showcasing the state’s hospitality and global outlook.
The event also featured a spirited rendition of the Meghalaya Durand Cup Team Song: “Here we go”.
This year’s Durand Cup is scheduled from July 23 to August 23, 2025, and will be played across five states: West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, Manipur, and Meghalaya. Shillong is set to host eight matches, including a quarterfinal and a semifinal, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
