The 134th Durand Cup will be held across five Indian states for the first time in history. Imphal returns as a host city, alongside Kokrajhar, Shillong, Jamshedpur, and Kolkata. The tournament runs from July 22 to August 23, 2025, featuring 24 top teams including all ISL clubs.
In a historic move that reflects both growth and regional inclusivity, the 134th edition of Asia’s oldest football tournament, the Durand Cup, is set to take place from July 22 to August 23, 2025, across a record five Indian states. The tournament’s organizing committee recently made the announcement, confirming the return of Imphal, the capital of Manipur, as one of the hosts after a two-year hiatus.
The Durand Cup, which began in 1888 and is now organized by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army, is revered not just for its legacy but for the unique opportunity it offers: a competitive arena where top Indian Super League (ISL) clubs face off against Services teams representing the Indian Armed Forces. Recent editions have also welcomed foreign military teams, reflecting the tournament’s increasing prestige on the international front.
Kokrajhar in Assam will host matches for the third year in a row, reaffirming its emerging status as a football hub. Meanwhile, Jamshedpur in Jharkhand and Shillong in Meghalaya, both added as venues in 2024, will retain their roles. Kolkata, which became the tournament’s primary base in 2019 after the shift from Delhi, will continue to serve as the central venue for the sixth consecutive edition.
This expansion is part of the Indian Army’s vision to deepen the footprint of the Durand Cup in the East and North-East regions. The commitment to this vision is evident in the tournament’s venue strategy, with matches being scheduled at the following six stadiums:
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Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan and Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata
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Khuman Lampak Stadium, Imphal
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SAI Stadium, Kokrajhar
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Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium, Shillong
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Either Morhabadi Stadium (Ranchi) or JRD Tata Sports Complex (Jamshedpur)
Each of these cities has received full support from their respective state governments and local autonomous bodies, who have once again thrown their weight behind one of the country’s most beloved sporting spectacles.
From a modest 16-team format, the Durand Cup has now expanded to feature 24 teams, encompassing all ISL clubs, making it a premier pre-season event in Indian football. Its growing popularity is a testament to the passion of football fans, particularly in the North-East, where the sport enjoys unmatched grassroots support.
North East United FC, who won their first-ever Durand Cup title in 2024 by defeating record title-holders Mohun Bagan in a dramatic final, will return as defending champions. Their underdog victory has added a compelling narrative to this year’s tournament.
With increased geographic reach, heightened fan engagement, and rising competition standards, the Durand Cup 2025 promises to be a celebration of football, unity, and tradition, further strengthening its legacy as the heartbeat of Indian football.
