33rd gold cup kicks off: Football, patriotism take centre stage in Dharamsala
Football fever is set to grip the hill town of Dharamsala as the 33rd All-India Shaheed Major Durgamal-Captain Dal Bahadur National Football Gold Cup Tournament kicked off on Sunday at the Police Ground here. Organised by the District Football Association, Kangra, this prestigious national-level tournament honours the memory and sacrifice of two great martyrs — Major Durgamal and Captain Dal Bahadur. The mega event was inaugurated by RS Bali, MLA and Chairman of HPTDC.
Speaking to The Tribune, advisor Ravinder Singh Rana shared, “This year’s tournament will host nine matches featuring six top-tier teams from across the country, including squads from Punjab, Jammu, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh and Madhya Pradesh.” He noted that the number of teams and matches has reduced compared to previous editions, largely due to the absence of the Indian Army team following the recent Pahalgam incident.
At a recent strategy meeting held in Dharamsala, the District Football Association finalised all preparations, ensuring the event is both high-quality and well-organised. With football enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the action, all logistical and infrastructural arrangements have been put in place for a smooth tournament.
The event promises to bring together some of the finest emerging and established talents from the Indian football circuit. Besides offering a platform for competitive sportsmanship, the tournament also features attractive rewards: the champion team will receive a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh along with a prestigious trophy, while the runner-up will be awarded Rs 50,000 and a trophy. Adding to the excitement, a ‘Man of the Match’ award will be presented after every game to recognise individual brilliance.
The grand inauguration ceremony saw the presence of Dr Surendra Thapa, Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Nepal, and Shalini Agnihotri, SSP Police-Kangra, as special guests. Ashok Kashyap, Patron-in-Chief, and Major Hemant Gurung, President of the tournament, also graced the occasion.
This tournament is not merely a celebration of football but also a tribute to courage, unity and sportsmanship. The Shaheed Durgamal-Dal Bahadur Football Tournament continues to inspire youth and promote a culture of fitness and team spirit across Himachal Pradesh and beyond. Against the picturesque backdrop of Dharamsala, the stage is set for six thrilling days of football action, community spirit and patriotic pride.
