Sun Sep 29 14:16:20 UTC 2024: ## Bordoloi Trophy Set for Resurgence with State-Wide Revival
**Guwahati, Sept 28:** The iconic Bordoloi Trophy, a 72-year-old football competition, is set to experience a resurgence, with the Guwahati Sports Association (GSA) spearheading its revival and expansion. In collaboration with the Assam government, the tournament will witness a dramatic shift, transforming into a state-wide spectacle with thousands of players participating.
The upcoming edition of the Bordoloi Trophy will commence in January 2025, encompassing a three-month period of intense competition. Over 5,600 players from 284 clubs will participate in 608 matches across 35 districts. Each district’s sports association will select its top eight clubs, which will battle it out in the first phase. The winners and runners-up from each district, alongside the Guwahati Premier League champions, will advance to the final round, which will be held at the Judges’ Field in Guwahati starting March 1, 2025.
The tournament’s revamped format aims to establish the Bordoloi Trophy as the premier club championship in Assam, promoting regional talent and fostering unity through the spirit of sport. “We plan to involve local communities and schools to inspire the next generation of football players and fans,” GSA Secretary Devajit Saikia stated. “Our goal is to establish robust talent scouting and development systems for both players and coaches.”
The government’s support for the revived tournament is significant, with the Sports and Youth Welfare Department Secretary Kausar J Hilaly expressing full backing. “We are fully behind the GSA’s efforts to revitalize this historic tournament and elevate the status of football in Assam,” Hilaly stated.
The Bordoloi Trophy is poised to become a cornerstone for the development of football in Assam, providing a platform for emerging talent and fostering a thriving club culture. With its renewed focus on state-wide participation and a commitment to strengthening the sport’s infrastructure, the tournament is set to re-establish itself as a major force in the world of Indian football.
First Piper 