Meghalaya CM: Shillong to host 8 matches of Durand Cup 2025

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 9, 2025

Football fever gripped Shillong as the 134th IndianOil Durand Cup—the world’s oldest existing football tournament—was unveiled at the State Convention Centre on Wednesday. The iconic trophies were put on display in a glittering ceremony, marking the start of a roadshow that will tour Shillong, Nongstoin, and Tura ahead of the tournament’s kick-off later this month.

As Meghalaya gears up to host the Durand Cup for the second consecutive year, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma expressed pride in the state’s growing stature as a sporting destination. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Indian Armed Forces for having selected Shillong also as one of the venues to host the 134th Durand Cup. There will be eight matches at the J.N. Sports Complex, Shillong. We had a very successful season last year, where I can proudly say that Shillong was one of the best hosts, in terms of the feel, the arrangements, and fan turnouts. I can assure you that this year also, it will be the same,” he said.

The Chief Minister also highlighted an increased participation of local teams in this year’s edition, which he said would make the event even more engaging for fans across the state.

Reflecting on the state government’s efforts to promote sports, Sangma pointed out the transformative progress made in sports infrastructure over the past seven years. “The way the Government has supported sports in the last seven years has been very different from what took place before that. In the last seven years, close to 70% of the sports infrastructure in the state has been created, and close to around Rs 2,000 crore has been invested in different projects pertaining to sports infrastructure,” he stated.

He revealed that Meghalaya is in the process of constructing the Mawkhanu Sports Complex, which will become the largest dedicated football stadium in the country. Other major projects include the upgradation of the J.N. Sports Complex, Mawdiangdiang Sports Complex, PA Sangma Sports Complex in Tura, the Integrated Hospitality and Sports Complex in Shillong, Wahiajer Sports Complex in Jowai, PA Togan Athletic Stadium in Tura, and White-Water Village at Umtham and Umiam. Additionally, synthetic athletic tracks will be created in every district headquarters.

“These crucial and significant investments reaffirm our vision to ensure that Shillong becomes the next Football Capital of India – a football powerhouse in the country,” he added.

On behalf of the people of Meghalaya, Sangma also lauded the Indian Armed Forces for their bravery during Operation Sindoor, describing their efforts as a source of inspiration for the youth.

Sports Minister Shakliar Warjri, in his address, underscored Meghalaya’s deep passion for football and the enthusiasm witnessed during last year’s edition of the Durand Cup. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building world-class sports facilities. “Our core aim is to produce Olympians from the State of Meghalaya. One of our flagship projects is the Mawkhanu Stadium, which will be one of the biggest football stadiums in Asia with a capacity of 40,000,” Warjri said.

He also mentioned the government’s sanctioning of ₹39.17 crore in grants to 26 sports associations to support training ahead of the 2027 National Games, with the goal of achieving at least 50 medals.

Lieutenant General Sanjay Malik, GOC 101 Area, spoke about the significance of bringing the prestigious tournament back to the hills of Shillong. “We are especially grateful to the Government of Meghalaya for their unwavering support, for preparing the venue, and ensuring logistical and administrative support. Their role has been instrumental in making this leg of the tournament a reality,” he said. Malik added that the trophy roadshow would inspire the younger generation to take up football, and he appreciated the state’s hospitality in hosting invited foreign team pro bono.

The unveiling ceremony concluded with a rousing rendition of the Meghalaya Durand Cup team song, “Here We Go,” setting the tone for a month-long celebration of football.

The 134th Durand Cup will take place from July 23 to August 23 across five states—West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, Manipur, and Meghalaya. Shillong will proudly host eight matches, including a quarterfinal and a semifinal, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.