Basil
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PANAJI: Goa has been shortlisted as a possible venue to host the Durand Cup, Asia's oldest football tournament, later this year.
With a history dating back to 1888, the Durand Cup - named after its founder, Sir Mortimer Durand, the Foreign Member at that time - started in Shimla and was shifted to Delhi in 1940. Close to 75 years later, the tournament could now be shifted to Goa.
"The organizers feel the tournament is not getting the support it deserves in Delhi and hence alternative venues are being sourced. Since Goa has massive interest in football, it became the ideal destination," explained Elvis Gomes, vice-president of the Goa Football Association.
The proposal was mooted, and agreed instantly, during a get-together organized by the General Officer Commanding (western region) in Goa early this week.
Senior officials of the Durand Football Tournament Society checked the available stadiums in Goa and settled for the Duler Stadium, owned by the GFA. The Nehru Stadium in Fatorda has been booked by IMGReliance for the ISL while the Tilak Maidan in Vasco could be used as a practice venue.
"It is almost certain that the Durand Cup will be played in Goa. Formally, we have not been intimated but officials have given the facilities and grounds here the thumbs-up," said GFA general secretary Adlear D'Cruz.
With a history dating back to 1888, the Durand Cup - named after its founder, Sir Mortimer Durand, the Foreign Member at that time - started in Shimla and was shifted to Delhi in 1940. Close to 75 years later, the tournament could now be shifted to Goa.
"The organizers feel the tournament is not getting the support it deserves in Delhi and hence alternative venues are being sourced. Since Goa has massive interest in football, it became the ideal destination," explained Elvis Gomes, vice-president of the Goa Football Association.
The proposal was mooted, and agreed instantly, during a get-together organized by the General Officer Commanding (western region) in Goa early this week.
Senior officials of the Durand Football Tournament Society checked the available stadiums in Goa and settled for the Duler Stadium, owned by the GFA. The Nehru Stadium in Fatorda has been booked by IMGReliance for the ISL while the Tilak Maidan in Vasco could be used as a practice venue.
"It is almost certain that the Durand Cup will be played in Goa. Formally, we have not been intimated but officials have given the facilities and grounds here the thumbs-up," said GFA general secretary Adlear D'Cruz.
