Meeting President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan was a memorable moment: Asheer

By Paritosh Pramanik

Aug 28, 2025

IT WAS a moment to cherish forever for Kamptee’s Asheer Akhtar.

Akhtar, who was part of the Durand Cup title winning NorthEast United Football Club, was one of the few players, present at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday during the felicitation function.

In a special ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President of India Droupadi Murmu felicitated NorthEast United Football Club (NEUFC) for their historic victory in the 2025 edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup. 

In the final, NEUFC thrashed Diamond Harbour 6-1 to retain the title. Asheer, son of former AG Office footballer Mehfooz Akhtar, was the man who opened the floodgates for the Highlander team in the 30th minute of play as they went on to pump in five more to lift the glittering trophy.

President Murmu presented the President’s Cup, one of the three iconic trophies awarded to the champions, marking a moment of pride for the club, its supporters and the footballing community.

The function was attended by Bollywood actor John Abraham who is also the owner of NEUFC, team captain Redeem Tlang, defender Akhtar, and Mandar Vijaykumar Tamhane, CEO, NEUFC in the presence of dignitaries and members of the Durand Football Tournament Society and the Durand Cup Organising Committee.

“It was a totally different feeling ... a beautiful experience meeting the President of the country,” an elated Asheer told ‘The Hitavada’ immediately after landing in Guwahati from New Delhi on Wednesday evening.

“It was a once in a lifetime experience. This was for the first time that a Durand Cup winning team was invited in the Rashtrapati Bhavan and President handed over the trophy. Last year, we got the trophy (President’s Cup) in a simple ceremony. But this time, we were invited in New Delhi for the function,” said Asheer, a former Rabbani Club player.

Asheer said it was a proud moment for him talking with top officials of Armed Forces. “All the top officials of Indian Armed Forces were there and all interacted with us freely. They too were proud for us for winning the back-to-back title,” Asheer stated.

Asheer was one of the lucky few to get a chance to visit Rashtrapati Bhavan. “Most of the players returned home after the final. I, along with a few others, were there and hence got the chance to meet the President Murmu,” an elated Asheer said.

“Such moments are rare. This will be etched in my memory forever,” Asheer signed off.