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For many, football is more than just a sport; it's an emotion. This passion was exemplified when Jadav Rai, a dedicated football enthusiast, covered an impressive 48 kms on foot, journeying from Abhayapuri to Kokrajhar, all to witness the opening match of the Durand Cup 2023. This prestigious tournament, notably the third oldest in the world, holds special significance for the citizens of Northeast India. In a landmark move, the opening ceremony this year took place in Kokrajhar, Assam, with multiple matches scheduled at the SAI stadium in the same city.
Yet, despite Rai's ardent effort, he faced a setback when denied entry due to the absence of a ticket and the stadium's full capacity. Fate, however, had different plans for him. An Indian Army officer at the venue recognized Rai's unwavering dedication and intervened. In recognition of Rai's unmatched fervor, the Army bestowed upon him a VIP pass for the match on 7th August, alongside a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet the players. Both the team and Rai were equally thrilled at this heartwarming interaction.
An officer from Indian army remarked, "With such sporting enthusiast in our country, Durand Cup Tournament will definitely continue to bring the best in all of us." This year's edition saw the participation of 24 teams, with international teams from Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh adding to the fervor.
The 132nd edition, organized by the Army, kicked off its inaugural match in Guwahati on August 4. The tournament also reached other locales such as Shillong (Meghalaya) and Kolkata (West Bengal). Assam's significance as a host for two consecutive years, with Kokrajhar debuting as a venue, is monumental. Lt Gen Kalita, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, emphasized that the choice to host the Durand Cup matches in this region for another year mirrors the stabilizing security scenario.
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