'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The 127th edition of Asia’s oldest cup competition, the Durand Cup, might take place in Goa this year, according to a TOI report.
Durand Cup was first held in 1888 in Shimla but since 1940 Delhi has been the venue of this prestigious tournament. However the interest in the competition has declined over the years with top clubs rarely taking part and as a result the organisers are considering Goa to be this year’s host.
“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," Elvis Gomes, vice-president of the Goa Football Association, was quoted saying.
The Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Margao is booked for the Indian Super League and the Tilak Maidan in Vasco is likely to be a practice venue so the Durand Cup is expected to be staged at the Duler Stadium in Mapusa.
“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,” GFA general secretary Adlear D’Cruz added.
