Assam Set to Host the 70th Bordoloi Trophy
Football excitement is at an all-time high in Assam as the 70th Bharat Ratna Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi Trophy, one of the region’s most prestigious tournaments, begins on January 29. Organized by the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare, Assam, in collaboration with the Guwahati Sports Association (GSA) and various district associations, the event will feature widespread participation and an innovative structure aimed at grassroots development.
GSA officials, including general secretary Devajit Saikia, president Paresh Chandra Das, and football secretary L Pranab Singh, shared details of the tournament at a press briefing. Saikia described this edition as a “new beginning” for football in Assam, emphasizing its role in identifying and nurturing young talent while giving players a significant platform to showcase their skills.
A Three-Stage Tournament Structure
The tournament, spanning 35 revenue districts of Assam, will be conducted in three phases:
1. District Round
- Over 280 clubs will compete in this initial stage, with eight teams representing each district.
- A total of 525 matches will be played in a league-cum-knockout format.
- District winners will advance to the Cluster Round and will receive a cash prize of ₹75,000.
2. Cluster Round
- In the second phase, district winners will be divided into six regional clusters: Upper Assam, Northern Assam, Central Assam, Lower Assam, Barak Valley, and the Capital Region.
- The winning teams of each cluster will receive ₹1 lakh, while the runners-up will be awarded ₹75,000.
3. Final Round
- Two teams from the Guwahati Premier Football League—NF Railway Sports Association and Pride East Mavericks—will receive direct entries into the final round.
- Additionally, two teams, potentially from the Indian Super League (ISL), I-League, or international clubs, will join the tournament at this stage.
- The champion team will win a prize of ₹10 lakh, while the runners-up and semi-finalists will receive ₹5 lakh and ₹2.5 lakh, respectively.
Individual Awards and Recognition
To celebrate individual brilliance, the tournament will present awards such as Player of the Tournament, Golden Boot, Golden Gloves, and the Fair Play Team Award. These accolades aim to encourage and motivate players to deliver their best performances throughout the competition.
Focus on Grassroots Talent
The 70th Bordoloi Trophy stands out for its commitment to nurturing grassroots football. Every team is required to include at least five Under-19 players born on or after January 1, 2006. Of these, two U-19 players must be in the starting XI, while three must be on the bench.
This rule is designed to give young players critical match experience and expose them to high-pressure situations on a larger stage. Talent spotters will be stationed at every match venue to identify promising players who have the potential to represent Assam in national and international tournaments.
Partnership with Best of You India: Global Exposure for Players
In an exciting development, the GSA has signed an MoU with Best of You India, an organization committed to providing international exposure to budding footballers. As part of this collaboration:
- 17 young players will be selected for a two-week training program in Spain.
- Out of these, two players will undergo an additional month-long training program.
- One exceptional player will get the opportunity to join Marbella FC, a fourth-division club in Spain’s Andalusia region, known for its world-class football facilities and development programs.
This initiative aims to bridge the gap between local talent and international standards, offering young players a chance to refine their skills and gain valuable exposure.
Reviving Assam’s Football Legacy
The Bordoloi Trophy, named after Bharat Ratna Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi, Assam’s first Chief Minister and a visionary leader, holds a special place in the state’s sports history. Its 70th edition marks a renewed commitment to football, not only as a sport but also as a unifying cultural phenomenon.
This year’s tournament promises to celebrate the rich legacy of the Bordoloi Trophy while paving the way for the future. By combining grassroots development with international opportunities, the event serves as a platform for Assam to reclaim its footballing glory and inspire a new generation of players.
A Celebration of Football in Assam
As the 70th Bordoloi Trophy begins, it brings with it an atmosphere of excitement, camaraderie, and hope for a brighter future in football. With over 280 teams participating, a robust structure for player development, and the introduction of international training opportunities, this year’s edition promises to be a game-changer for football in Assam.