Football enthusiasts in Shillong are thrilled and filled with immense excitement for the 135th edition of the Durand Cup 2026.
On the occasion of this historic tournament, the Honorable Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Shri Wailadmiki Shylla, addressed the event. The Sports Minister praised the deep roots of football in Meghalaya and the unwavering passion of its people for the sport. He stated that the Government of Meghalaya feels immensely proud to host a prestigious tournament like the Durand Cup.
The Minister extended his special best wishes to the three local teams participating from Shillong—Shillong Lajong FC, Nongthymmai Sports Social & Cultural Club, and Rangdajied United FC—expressing hope that they will perform brilliantly on this national stage and bring laurels to the state.
Key Highlights of the Tournament
During the press conference, senior army official Lt. Gen Mohit Wadhwa (SM, GOC 101 Area) shared important details about the upcoming tournament:
Total Teams: A total of 24 teams from across the country are participating, divided into 6 different pools.
Host Cities: The matches will be played across 5 different venues, including Ranchi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Imphal, and Shillong.
Matches in Shillong: Shillong’s JN Stadium will host a total of 8 thrilling matches, which include 6 league stage matches, 1 quarter-final, and a crucial semi-final.
Schedule: The tournament matches will kick off on July 31, with the grand finale scheduled for August 23.
Along with the local teams, a major team from Mumbai will also showcase its talent on the Shillong ground, which is set to elevate the standard and excitement of football in the region.