Shillong, July 11: Meghalaya on Saturday welcomed the three iconic trophies of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup, with the state government reaffirming its commitment to transforming Meghalaya into one of India’s leading sporting destinations ahead of the 39th National Games in 2027.
The trophy showcase and flag-off ceremony was held at the State Convention Centre in Shillong in the presence of Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla, GOC 101 Area Lt Gen Mohit Wadhwa, Senior Air Staff Officer of the Eastern Air Command Air Marshal Devendra P. Hirani, Director General of Police Idashisha Nongrang, GOC Bengal Sub Area Maj Gen D.K. Singh, Sports and Youth Affairs Secretary Isawanda Laloo, senior military officers, government officials and representatives of participating teams.
The three Durand Cup trophies will tour Shillong, Jowai and Tura, giving football enthusiasts an opportunity to view Asia’s oldest football trophies before the tournament begins on July 25.
Addressing the gathering, Sports Minister Wailadmiki Shylla said football is deeply embedded in Meghalaya’s identity and continues to unite communities while inspiring young people across the state. He thanked the Indian Armed Forces and the Durand Cup Organising Committee for their continued confidence in Meghalaya and expressed the state’s aspiration to host the Durand Cup final in the future.
The minister said the government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, has made sports a key pillar of development, with over 35,000 participants taking part in sporting events annually and the state successfully hosting more than 14 national and international sporting events since 2022. He added that investments in sports infrastructure are creating opportunities for athletes while boosting tourism, employment and economic growth.
Highlighting the state’s long-term vision, the government said major projects such as the upcoming Mawkhanu Football Stadium, expected to become India’s largest football stadium, along with upgrades to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and other facilities, are aimed at creating a world-class sporting ecosystem in Meghalaya.
Sports and Youth Affairs Secretary Isawanda Laloo said Meghalaya hosting the Durand Cup for the third consecutive year reflects growing confidence in the state’s administrative capabilities, sporting infrastructure and ability to organise major sporting events. She added that preparations for the 39th National Games are focused on creating a sustainable sporting ecosystem through quality infrastructure, athlete development, coaching programmes and institutional partnerships.
The government said it has earmarked ₹1,800 crore for sports infrastructure development and allocated ₹844 crore for the sports sector in the current financial year, reinforcing its commitment to building a lasting legacy in sports across the Northeast.
Lt Gen Mohit Wadhwa said Shillong has established itself as one of the Durand Cup’s key venues due to its rich football culture and strong public support. He also appreciated the Meghalaya government’s sustained investment in sports infrastructure, saying it has strengthened the state’s readiness to host marquee events, including the National Games.
The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup will be held from July 25 to August 23 across West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, Manipur and Meghalaya. Shillong will host eight matches, including a quarter-final and a semi-final, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Meghalaya will also be represented by three local clubs—Shillong Lajong FC, Nongkseh SS&CC and Langsning FC.
