Naveen Uraon
THE 127th edition of the 3rd oldest football tournament, Durand Cup is all set to commence at Goa from 29 October 2014 onwards. The tournament will have its grand ‘Curtain Raiser’ at the Bambolim Stadium on 11 October 2014, officially declaring the dates and match fixtures. To ensure that no one loses on watching these thrilling football matches and related events, Army has made entry fee. All are invited to immerse in the fun-filled and action-packed football carnival.
Preliminary stage matches are being held at 3 Military Training Regiment in Madgaon from 20 October to 27 October. Four Goan teams, which have a great future, are participating and they will go all out to enter the quarterfinals.
Quarter-finals matches will be held daily between 29 October and 04 November at the Raia Sports Complex to decide the four semifinalists.
The two Semi-final matches will be played on 06 November 2014 at Raia Sports Complex to decide the winner of the Durand Cup for the year 2014.
Celebrating the Carnival, Army has planned unique displays on various days spread across Goa. Locals will get to witness Military displays and Army Melas to include Battle Tanks and Artillery Guns. Displays are being planned at Don Bosco School, Sharda Mandir, Goa Institute of Management, Raia School, Pharmacy College, Ponda and at the Vagator Football ground. It is an unique opportunity for Goa’s children to observe the Armed Forces from a close range.
In addition, various specialist teams would display their capabilities during various events specially brought to Goa. Sky Divers will perform on the Opening Ceremony on 29 October at the Raia Sports Complex. A parachute drop is scheduled with para motors during the Closing Ceremony on 8 November. It is reiterated that entry for all is free. No tickets !
The Organisers will also parade the Durand Cup in a procession at various places to generate awareness amongst locals and to reach out to the remote locations of Goa. First such procession was held at 1400hrs on 23 Sep 2014 covering Panjim-Belgaum road, Old Goa Churches and interiors of Ponda. The silver trophies and Mascot ‘Azad’ was displayed along with the procession of Army vehicles.