Shillong (Meghalaya), Aug 2 : The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium hosted the first match in the Group F category of the prestigious 133rd Indian Oil Durand Cup today. CM Conrad K. Sangma, graced the inaugural event of the Durand Cup, joined by deputy CMs Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar, Sports Minister Shakliar Warjri, and Chief Secretary, D P Wahlang,
The inauguration was also attended by, Air Marshal SP Dharkar, Air Officer Commanding in Chief Eastern Air Command, Lieutenant General Sanjay Malik, General Officer Commanding 101Area, Maj Gen Rajesh A Moghe, VSM Vice Chairman Durand Cup Organising Committee and a number of senior military and civil officials.
The afternoon kicked off with a match between Shillong Lajong FC and Tribhuvan Army Football Club (TAFC) as part of the schedule for Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to host Group F matches, in which Shillong Lajong FC clinched victory over Tribhuvan Army Football Club (TAFC) with a single goal, placing them at the top of the group table.
In the upcoming days the teams – Shillong Lajong FC, Indian Super League sides FC Goa, Hyderabad FC, and Nepal’s Tribhuvan Army Football Club will play matches in the now revamped stadium.
The event is the first of this scale hosted at the J.N. Stadium since 2016, a significant moment for the State. The Stadium Development was accelerated ahead of its scheduled construction to ensure that compliances were met for the hosting of the Durand Cup. This included the construction of the North and South Stand, the fitting of seats in all stands to comply with International Event guidelines under AFC, and the renovation of the West Stand VIP area. Further, the natural turf was re-laid entirely with natural grass conducive to the Shillong climate. The Stadium’s Floodlights were also replaced to reach the lighting levels required for international matches and Television broadcast standards. The Player’s Dressing Areas and Official’s rooms were also upgraded as per international standards.
The Government of Meghalaya, the representatives of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), and the Indian Armed Forces jointly expressed their joy at being able to bring the Tournament to Meghalaya for this season and have been satisfied with the stadium facilities for football.
The Stadium shall also continue its upgradation after the event, which shall include the final touches of the structure and the laying of a synthetic Athletic track, which shall be completed soon.
CM Conrad K. Sangma addressed the press today after the match, saying, “We urge the citizens of Shillong to come out in large numbers to watch the matches of the Durand Cup. Further, we are happy to use the occasion to share the initiatives the Government has begun for football and other sports in the state. Such spends on infrastructure, events, and grants are not an expenditure, but an investment in our youth ”
