Shillong, Aug 2: Unlike last year’s debut in the city, the three matches of the Durand Cup held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here evoked a lukewarm response as the fans are yet to come in huge numbers.
While the VIP and VVIP galleries-most of them with free passes, were full, it was not so in other galleries.
According to the official figures, while the first match between Shillong Lajong FC and Malaysia Armed Forces had 5,900 attendees, the crowd at the second match was 8,500 since it was a derby between Shillong Lajong FC and Rangdajied United FC. There was a reduction on August 2 when the defending champion North United FC took on Malaysian Armed Forces, as the attendance was recorded at 7567.
For the semifinal clash between Shillong Lajong FC and NorthEast United FC on August 26, last year, all the tickets were sold out quickly, with the stadium capacity around 15,000 seats and an official reported attendance of about 14,988.
Football fans expressed disappointment at later matches in 2025, with attendance ranging from over 5,000 to 8,000 spectators in some fixtures, far below expectations for the region.
In contrast, in the Durand Cup match held in Manipur in July this year, the tickets for the home fixture between NEROCA FC and TRAU FC were sold out, filling the packed 35,000-capacity Khuman Lampak Stadium, Imphal.
The reasons range from a change of event managers, ticket pricing, and lack of basic amenities, among others.
Besides the pricing of tickets, there are no decent toilets, no shade, and even water isn’t easily available,” said a disappointed spectator, who left the venue midway.
Critics have also pointed to a disconnect between the event’s presentation and Shillong’s football culture.
“There’s too much noise, lights, and colours—yet very little of the authentic football vibe that Shillong loves. It feels alien,” remarked a former footballer.
Organisers have yet to officially respond to the concerns, but football circles warn that unless issues are addressed, Shillong football fans may continue to pour cold water on future editions.
