SHILLONG:
Amid the preparations for the Durand Cup 2024, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong has undergone a vibrant transformation.
Originally slated for a December finish, the track around the natural turf has received a striking temporary facelift by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs to meet the Durand Cup compliances.
This makeover, led by renowned artist Benedict Skhemlang Hynniewta and his team, turned the athletic track into a canvas of Meghalaya’s creativity. With vibrant patterns and cultural motifs, it now beautifully captures the spirit of football and the heart of Meghalaya.
This adaptation is a fitting tribute to the state of Meghalaya- it reflects a rootedness in nature, pays homage to its cultural traditions as well as celebrates the dynamism of its youth – for whom football is one of the biggest unifiers, as seen in this ongoing Tournament.
This is also a precursor to the ground’s ultimate metamorphosis into a state of the art athletics track ready for dazzling sports spectacles in the days to come.
