135th IndianOil Durand Cup kicks off in Guwahati with grand opening ceremony
The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup opened in Guwahati with a ceremony blending Assam's culture and military traditions. The event underscored Assam's growing sporting profile as the tournament began with the opening Group F match.
- Aug 01, 2026,
- Updated Aug 01, 2026, 7:42 PM IST
- Assam ministers, IOC chief and senior Army officers attended the ceremony
- Aerial displays included hot air balloons, free-fall acts and helicopter flypasts
- Army bands, a dog show and iconic regimental song featured
The 135th edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup commenced with a grand opening ceremony at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Sarusajai, Guwahati, marking the formal inauguration of Asia's oldest football tournament.
Jointly organised by the Indian Army and the Government of Assam, the event witnessed the presence of Assam Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Biswajit Daimary, Finance, Environment and Forest, Mines and Minerals Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah, and Indian Oil Corporation Chairman Arvinder Singh Sahney.
Senior military officials attending the ceremony included Lieutenant General V.M. Bhuvana Krishnan, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command; Lieutenant General R.P. Kalita (Retd.); Lieutenant General Neeraj Shukla, General Officer Commanding, Gajraj Corps; and Major General Rohin Bawa, General Officer Commanding, Red Horns Division, along with other civil and military dignitaries.
The opening ceremony showcased a blend of Assam's rich cultural heritage and the traditions of the Indian Armed Forces. Spectators witnessed aerial demonstrations, including hot air balloons, combat free-fall displays, aeromodelling performances and precision helicopter flypasts.
The event also featured performances by the Indian Army Jazz Band, Pipe Band, NCC Girls Band, a military dog show, and the rendition of the Assam Regiment's iconic song, Badluram Ka Badan. Assam's cultural traditions were highlighted through vibrant performances of Bagurumba, Bardwi Sikhla and Bhortal dances.
The ceremony was followed by the tournament's opening Group F match between NorthEast United FC and Bodoland FC, setting the stage for the Guwahati leg of India's premier football competition.
The organisers said the IndianOil Durand Cup continues its long-standing legacy of promoting sporting excellence, national integration and youth engagement, while reinforcing Assam's growing reputation as a major sporting destination through the partnership between the Indian Army and the state government.
