Rajnath Singh inaugurates first-ever Durand Cup match in Manipur

Imphal, Aug 19: In a significant development, the 131st Durand Cup was hosted for the first time In the Northeastern city of Manipur. The inauguration of the Durand Cup was done by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in front of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. Fans too had come in large numbers to witness the event.

 

The Durand Cup, Asia’s oldest football tournament is being held in multiple venues in Kolkata, Imphal, and Guwahati. Manipur is hosting 10 group C matches of the Cup.

 

 

He stated, "The North-East has set new records in the fields of health, education, transport, agriculture and urban development in the last few years, which is a testament to the Government’s unwavering commitment to ensure holistic development of the region."

 

On this occasion, Defence Minister said "First of all, I would like to thank Manipur CM N Biren Singh. I would also like to congratulate all the brothers and sisters of Manipur. Durand Cup being hosted in Imphal is a historic day for Manipur. I would like to congratulate the organizers, participants and the people of Manipur."

 

 

Further, he added that the Government believes in ensuring progress of all States/Union Territories, stressing that special emphasis is being laid towards infrastructural development in far flung areas. “We have connected the remote areas with the mainland by providing connectivity,” he said.

 

He asserted that the first Durand Cup match in Manipur, at a time when the country is celebrating ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, symbolises the rise of a ‘New India’, in which every region and state is moving forward hand-in-hand to take the country to greater heights.

 

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande, GOC-in-C Eastern Command Lt Gen RP Kalita and GOC Spear Corps Lt Gen RC Tiwari were among those present during the inaugural ceremony. For the first time, Manipur is co-hosting the Durand Cup, one of the oldest football tournaments, along with Assam. This is the 131st edition of the tournament.

 

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh in his speech thanked the Indian Army and tournament authority for making it possible to hold Durand Cup matches in the state. He also expresses his profound gratitude to Defence minister Rajnath Singh for attending the inaugural match of the Manipur edition of the tournament.

 

The ceremony concluded with the playing of the FIFA Theme song and the introduction of dignitaries with the players and their photos with the teams and the Durand Trophies.