Durand Cup 2025: Kokrajhar welcomes football’s grand return with a spectacular opening ceremony

The 134th Durand Cup reached Kokrajhar on July 27, 2025, with the SAI Stadium playing host to the prestigious century-old tournament for the third successive year. The city welcomed the event with a vibrant celebration ahead of the first Group D clash between Assam’s Morning Star FC and ITBP FT.

The grand opening ceremony was graced by Pramod Boro, Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) as Chief Guest, and Lieutenant General Ram Chander Tiwari, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command and Patron of the Durand Cup Organising Committee (DCOC), along with other dignitaries.

Also present were Dasho Dr. Lotay Tshering, former Prime Minister of Bhutan and Guest of Honour, and Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri. The political leadership of Assam and Bodoland was represented by Urkhao Gwra Brahma, Minister for Handloom, Textile and Sericulture, Soil Conservation and Welfare of Bodoland Department; Rwngwra Narzary, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha; and Shri Joyanta Basumatary, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha.

Senior officers of the armed forces, including Lt. Gen. Gambhir Singh (GOC 4 Corps), Major Gen. Rajesh Arun Moghe (GOC Bengal Sub Area & Vice Chairman, DCOC), Maj. Gen. Rohin Bawa (GOC 21 Mountain) and Brig. Akshay Kapoor (Commander 107 Mountain Brigade), were also in attendance. Speaking on the occasion, Pramod Boro said, “We are writing a new story where football has taken the role of harmony in Kokrajhar. We have given the youth a platform through football to give them more confidence to move ahead in life. Football has united our villages and has given us a path to move forward. Sports have played a huge role in eliminating violence from Bodoland. I am thankful to the Indian Armed Forces on behalf of the people of Bodoland by bringing the Durand Cup to Bodoland Territorial Region for the third consecutive time. I also thank all the people of the organising committee, SAI and everyone else involved for working towards a successful Durand Cup.”

Football icon Sunil Chhetri inspired the packed stadium with his words and said, “I hope that everyone realises that whatever you want to dream in sports, it is not too far. Nothing changes or galvanizes a place better than sports and football is the best sport in the country to do that and I urge everyone to make use of the facilities that are provided. I thank the people of Bodoland for all the warmth, and I wish everyone the best of luck.”

Celebrations began three hours before kick-off, building a festive buzz with a DJ set, a Hot Air Balloon display, and a rich mix of performances—from the Pipe Band and Maj. Yogesh Adhikari to a vibrant Punjabi Bhangra dance. A Dog Show, a unique Pipe and Jazz band fusion, and the regimental song Badluram ka Badan by Major M.T. Prokto added further colour to the festivities.

Joi Baruah and his band entertained fans before and during halftime, while a recorded message by the Hon’ble President of India unveiling the Durand Cup trophies in Delhi (on July 4) was screened during the felicitation of dignitaries.

The cultural richness of Assam was on full display with Bagurumba, Bihu, Bardwi Sikhla and Dahal Thungri performances. In parallel, the crowd witnessed aeromodelling stunts and an exhilarating Paramotor fly-past by the 10 PARA Special Forces. Artist Geeta Shri energised the crowd with a rendition of Waka Waka, followed by a thrilling Khukri performance by the Gorkha regiment.

The highlight of the evening came with a fly-past by Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter jets of the Indian Air Force, leaving the stadium in awe. Chenda Drummers with Kalaripayattu (Kerala’s martial art) and Chau dancers from West Bengal brought the cultural segment to a powerful close.