Last updated on August 7th, 2023 at 01:30 pm
Durand Cup Opening Ceremony 2023: Get ready for an electrifying start to Durand Cup 2023 in Kolkata on August 3rd, with thrilling performances and the presence of esteemed guests.
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Durand Cup Opening Ceremony 2023 Kolkata
The eagerly awaited 132nd edition of the prestigious Durand Cup commenced at Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuvabharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) on Thursday, August 3rd.
The inauguration ceremony, which started at 5 pm, was graced by esteemed guests, including the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Smt. Mamata Banerjee, who served as the Chief Guest, along with other prominent dignitaries like Gen. Manoj Pande, PVSM AVSM VSM ADC, Chief of Army Staff (COAS); Mr. Kalyan Chaubey, the President of All India Football Federation (AIFF); Shri. Aroop Biswas, Hon. Minister in Charge for Youth Services and Sports, Housing and Power, Government of West Bengal, and Lt. Gen. Rana Pratap Kalita, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command.
The opening ceremony of Durand Cup 2023 featured an enthralling half-hour program, showcasing exceptional performances and entertainment by various units of the Indian Army. The grand spectacle unveiled the splendor of football, captivating the audience with cultural performances and majestic parades.
Among the highlights were displays of indigenous sports, like Kerala’s Kalaripayattu by the Madras regiment and Punjab’s Gatka by the Sikh and Punjab regiments.
The IndianOil Durand Cup 132nd Edition Opening Ceremony in Kolkata truly set the stage ablaze with its captivating showcase.
The 132nd Indian Oil Durand Cup will be held in three cities across India: Guwahati, Kolkata, and Kokrajhar.
Free tickets are available for those interested in attending the opening match Durand Cup 2023.
Durand Cup Inaugural Match Kolkata
The inaugural Durand Cup match will witness a face-off between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and the Bangladesh Army Football Team in Kolkata at 6 pm. This prestigious tournament will take place in three venues across India, namely Kolkata in West Bengal, Guwahati, and SAI Stadium Kokrajhar in Assam.
Inaugural Match Durand Cup 6 PM Thursday, August 3, 2023, at VYBK Kolkata
| Team 1 | Time | Team 2 |
|---|---|---|
 Mohun Bagan Super Giant | 5 – 0 (FT) |  Bangladesh Army FT |
Durand Cup Opening Ceremony 2023 Guwahati
Guwahati successfully hosted the 132nd edition of the Durand Cup at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Friday, August 4th, marking the city’s second consecutive hosting after the previous organization of the 131st edition.
The kick-off was marked by the ceremonial lighting of the IOCL flame, followed by the introduction of the Hon. Chief Minister, the announcement of the team line-ups, and the recognition of other esteemed guests.
The esteemed Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, graced the event as the Chief Guest, accompanied by a distinguished gathering of dignitaries including Nandita Gorlosa, Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare, Government of Assam, Lt. Gen. Rana Pratap Kalita, and Air Marshal SP Dharkar.
The scheduled proceedings commenced with a Cultural Program and Opening Ceremony from 4:20 pm to 5:45 pm, followed by the official Kick-Off at 6:00 pm.
- Khukri Haath
- Gatka
- Flower Petal Shower By Para Motors
- Fly Past By Aviation Helicopters
- Musical Performance By Priyanka Bharali
- Fusion Performance of Bhangra and Kalariyapatu
- Fly Past By IAF Su-30 Fighter Jets
- Mixed Cultural Extravaganza By 500 Dancers
The Opening Ceremony presented a harmonious blend of cultural and musical expressions, accentuated by a captivating showcase of the sporting and defense capabilities of the Armed Forces. Notable highlights include a choreographed performance by Guinness record holder Shri. Ranjit Gogoi and a musical presentation by the renowned singer and dancer Smt. Priyanka Bharali.
The cultural celebration featured a symphony of band performances, the grace of the khukhri dance, the elegance of the Bihu dance, and the dynamic energy of Gatka. Additionally, the event showcased a creative blend of Bhangra with the indigenous sport of Kalariyapatu, presented collaboratively by the Punjab and Madras regiments.
The Armed Forces’ teams delivered mesmerizing performances, featuring awe-inspiring paratrooper freefalls. The visual grandeur was further elevated by an impressive Fly Past display, highlighting the participation of Indian Army Aviation Cheetah Helicopters and IAF MI 17 Helicopters.
The opening match in Group D witnessed a thrilling encounter between Northeast United FC and Shillong Lajong FC.
Inaugural Match Durand Cup 6 PM Thursday, August 4, 2023, at IGAS Guwahati
| Team 1 | Time | Team 2 |
|---|---|---|
 Northeast United FC | 4 – 0 (FT) |  Shillong Lajong FC |
With meticulous preparations and a heightened sense of anticipation, the stage was perfectly set for the grand inauguration of the 132nd edition at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium. The 6 pm kick-off on Friday, August 4th, marked the commencement of the exciting journey of the IndianOil Durand Cup.
Durand Cup Opening Ceremony 2023 Kokrajhar
The 132nd edition of the Durand Cup kicked off at 12:30 PM on Saturday, August 5th at SAI Stadium.
This occasion holds notable significance, as it marks Kokrajhar’s debut as the host for the tournament. The successful hosting of the event is the result of a collaborative initiative between the Armed Forces and the Assam Government.
Addressing an enthusiastic audience at the Sai Stadium, Rajnath Singh lauded both the Armed Forces and the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) for their joint efforts in making Kokrajhar an ideal venue. Rajnath Singh also highlighted the burgeoning football talent in Assam and expressed confidence that the Durand Cup would serve as a catalyst for motivating young individuals to engage more actively in the sport.
The opening ceremony witnessed the presence of approximately 12,000 football enthusiasts. The occasion was enhanced by captivating elements such as aerial displays, martial demonstrations, traditional dances, and more. The event showcased over 400 performers presenting a vibrant gala performance under the theme “Unity in Diversity,” with various ethnic dance groups representing distinct communities.
Prominent dignitaries in attendance included Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma; Nandita Gorlosa, Assam’s Minister of Power, Sports and Youth Welfare; Urkhao Gwra Brahma, Bodoland’s Minister of Handloom & Textile; Pramod Boro, BTC’s Chief Executive Member; Manoj Pande, Chief of the Indian Army; and other esteemed individuals.
Following the opening ceremony, the inaugural match of the tournament featured Bodoland FC and Rajasthan United FC.
Kokrajhar will be the setting for eight group matches and one quarter-final on August 24, 2023. A total of 24 teams, including representatives from Nepal and Bangladesh, three Indian Armed Forces teams, and the local Bodoland FC, will participate. The matches are scheduled to take place in Kolkata, Guwahati, and Kokrajhar.
Kokrajhar leg of Durand Cup 2023: Preparation photos and promo videos
Get a sneak peek at the preparation photos and promo videos for the Kokrajhar leg of Durand Cup 2023
Inaugural Match Durand Cup 2:30 PM Saturday, August 5, 2023, at SAI Stadium Kokrajhar
| Team 1 | Time | Team 2 |
|---|---|---|
 Bodoland FC | 0 – 1 (HT) |  Rajasthan United FC |
Durand Cup 2023 Opening Ceremony Images
Durand Cup Opening Ceremony Kolkata
Guwahati Leg Durand Cup Opening Ceremony
Kokrajhar Leg Durand Cup Opening Ceremony
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FAQs
1. When will be the opening match of Durand Cup be played?
The opening match of Durand Cup 2023 in Kolkata will be held on Thursday, August 3rd, at Vivekananda Yuvabharati Krirangan. It will be a thrilling encounter between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Bangladesh Army FT, starting at 5:45 pm IST
2. When will be the Durand Cup 2023 Opening Ceremony in Kolkata?
The Durand Cup opening ceremony 2023 will start from 5 pm on August 3rd, Thursday, at Vivekananda Yuvabharati Krirangan Stadium in Kolkata.
3. What time is opening ceremony of Durand Cup 2023?
The 132nd edition of The Durand Cup, Asia’s oldest football tournament, marks the beginning of the Indian domestic football calendar, commencing on August 3rd, 2023. The tournament’s opening match at 5 pm in Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan will feature an exhilarating clash between Mohun Bagan SG and Bangladesh Army FT.
4. Which state of India is hosting the Durand Cup 2023?
The Durand Cup 2023 is set to take place in six venues spread across three states. The designated venues include Salt Lake Stadium/VYBK Stadium, Kishore Bharati Krirangan Stadium, Mohun Bagan Ground, and East Bengal Ground in West Bengal, along with Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, Assam, and SAI Stadium Kokrajhar, Assam.