Guwahati: The 71st Bharat Ratna Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi Trophy 2026 has kicked off across Assam, marking another important step towards promoting football at the grassroots level.
The tournament is organised by the Guwahati Sports Association in association with the district sports associations of Assam and powered by the Assam Cricket Association. Matches are being held across multiple districts to provide young footballers with opportunities to showcase their talent.
In Cluster 2, covering Central Assam, the district-round matches began under the Nowgong Sports Association at Nurul Amin Stadium in Nagaon.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by office-bearers of the Nowgong Sports Association. Former Santosh Trophy footballer Deepak Das officially inaugurated the tournament.
Meanwhile, in Cluster 1, covering Upper Assam, the tournament began in Tinsukia in the presence of office-bearers of the Tinsukia District Sports Association.
The simultaneous commencement of matches in different parts of the state highlights the tournament’s focus on expanding football opportunities beyond major cities.
The Bharat Ratna Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi Trophy holds an important place in Assam’s sporting history. The tournament brings together football clubs and players from different districts, allowing emerging footballers to compete and demonstrate their skills.
By organising matches at the district level, the tournament aims to encourage young players, strengthen local football structures and provide a pathway for talented footballers to gain wider recognition.
The Guwahati Sports Association, together with the district sports associations and the Assam Cricket Association, is working to support the successful organisation of the tournament.
The competition is expected to give aspiring footballers valuable match experience while encouraging greater participation in the sport across Assam.
The 71st edition continues the tournament’s long-standing role in supporting football and nurturing sporting talent in the state.
