Durand Cup Trophy Tour Undertaken In Mumbai
By Anushka Singh
Amidst fervent anticipation, the vibrant city of Mumbai played host to the exhilarating Trophy Tour of the esteemed Durand Cup Football tournament, set to mark its 132nd edition. The event, held on 8 July 2023, witnessed an outpouring of enthusiasm as three illustrious Durand Trophies arrived at the Army Officers Institute (AOI) in Colaba. Gracing the ceremony as the Chief Guest was Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, FOC-in-C, Western Naval Command and Lieutenant General HS Kahlon, GOC, HQ MG & G Area.
The momentous occasion saw the ceremonious departure of the trophies from Colaba, embarking on a captivating journey across the stunning cityscape of Mumbai. Along their path, these coveted symbols of football excellence graced two iconic locations: the historic Gateway of India and the majestic Marine Drive.
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| The three Durand trophies on display at the Gateway of India in Mumbai |
Addressing the audience, Lieutenant General HS Kahlon expressed his honour to be part of the iconic Durand Cup Football Tournament festivities. He said, "It is indeed an honour to be a part of the celebrations of the iconic Durand Cup Football Tournament. The Indian Army is perhaps the biggest public supporter and promoter of sports and our globally acclaimed athletes are a source of inspiration and pride for the youth of the entire country. The Durand Cup stands testimony to our commitment to football and I am confident that very soon, Indian football too will reach dizzying heights. I wish the Indian Army and the Services team all the very best for their 132nd Durand Cup Campaign."
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| The event underway at the Army Officer's Institute in Colaba, Mumbai |
The Durand Cup, a celebrated tournament steeped in history, boasts three unique trophies. The first among them is the illustrious Durand Cup itself, a rolling trophy and the original prize that football enthusiasts have long coveted. Alongside it stands the Shimla Trophy, another prestigious rolling trophy first presented by the residents of Shimla in 1904. Last but not least, the President's Cup, initially offered by Dr. Rajendra Prasad in 1956, adds its own distinguished allure to the tournament.
Prior to their captivating appearance in Mumbai, the Durand Trophies were ceremoniously flagged off from New Delhi on June 30, 2023. The highly-anticipated Trophy Tour, covering 17 cities across India, was launched jointly by the Army Chief, IAF Chief and the President of the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
Having embarked on their journey, the Trophies had already enthralled audiences in Dehradun, Udhampur and Pune before reaching the vibrant streets of Mumbai. The forthcoming cities on the tour's itinerary include Jaipur, Karwar, Kochi, Ezhimala, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Guwahati, Kokrajhar, Shillong and Aizawl, culminating in the grand finale at Kolkata on 1 August 2023.
The much-anticipated 132nd Durand Cup is slated to commence on 3 August 2023, in Kolkata. This edition of the prestigious tournament will witness the participation of 24 teams, an increase from the previous edition's count of 20. Notably, all 12 Indian Super League (ISL) sides will vie for glory in this edition, further elevating the tournament's stature.
Adding to the international flavour, service teams from neighbouring countries Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal will participate, marking their foreign involvement in this legendary tournament after an extended hiatus of 27 years. With eager anticipation, football enthusiasts await the tournament's grand finale on 3 September 2023, where the finest teams will clash for ultimate glory.
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