Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma inaugurates 133rd edition of Durand Cup in Shillong

The 133rd edition of Durand Cup was inaugurated in Shillong by the chief guest, Conrad K Sangma, chief minister of Meghalaya, with an opening ceremony at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, marking the first time for Shillong to host one of Asia’s oldest football tournaments. The ceremonial kick-off was conducted by the chief guest in the presence of Prestone Tynsong, deputy chief minister of Meghalaya, Sniawbhalang Dhar, deputy chief minister of Meghalaya, Shakliar Warjri, minister of sports & youthaAffairs, Govt of Meghalaya, Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari, UYSM, AVSM, SM, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command and Patron, Durand Cup organising 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 organising committee, Lt Gen Sanjay Malik, GOC, 101 Area and other eminent civil & military dignitaries.

The opening ceremony began with a performance by the Meghalaya Grassroots Music project performance, followed by a captivating performance by Eddie Lyngdoh, a renowned local singer, and the Emphirical Tribe band, which set an energetic tone for the evening. A Pipe & Jazz Band then added a touch of grandeur to the event, adding to the joyous atmosphere. Highlighting the cultural richness of Meghalaya, the Children’s Choir performed a heartfelt song, leading into a dance performance on the Assam Regiment song Badloo Ram ka Badan. The grand opening ceremony was concluded by a musical ensemble by more than 800 schoolchildren of multiple schools across Shillong