The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup begins on July 25 with the Kolkata Derby as the tournament trophies arrive in Kolkata after touring five host states. The historic football competition will feature 24 teams across five cities, celebrating India’s oldest football legacy.
The countdown to the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup officially entered its final phase as the tournament’s three historic trophies arrived in Kolkata on Wednesday after completing a successful tour across all five host states. The trophy showcase marked the beginning of the final preparations for Asia’s oldest football tournament, which will kick off on July 25 with the much-anticipated Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
The arrival of the trophies in Kolkata highlighted the city’s enduring association with Indian football. Since 2019, Kolkata has served as the principal host city of the prestigious tournament, reinforcing its reputation as one of the country’s football capitals.
Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, Chief of Staff, Eastern Command and Chairman of the Durand Cup Organising Committee, described the tournament as one of the most significant examples of military-civil partnership in Indian sports. He noted that Kolkata’s deep-rooted football culture has played a vital role in strengthening the legacy of the Durand Cup over the years.
Major General Dinesh Kumar Singh, General Officer Commanding, Bengal Sub Area and Vice Chairman of the Durand Cup Organising Committee, expressed pride over the extension of the tournament under the aegis of the Eastern Command until 2032. According to him, the decision reflects the growing popularity of the competition and the consistent support it has received from football fans, participating teams, and state governments.
The opening fixture promises to be a grand spectacle as arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC renew their historic rivalry before thousands of passionate supporters. Group A consists of record 17-time champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant, 16-time winners East Bengal FC, South United FC, and CISF Protectors.
Group B will feature Mohammedan Sporting Club, the Indian Army Football Team, Durand Cup debutants Baghpat FC, and Samaleswari Sporting. Besides the league-stage matches, Kolkata will also host one quarter-final, one semi-final, and the grand final scheduled for August 23.
The trophies reached Kolkata from Ranchi after travelling across all five host states over the past two weeks. The Trophy Tour connected football enthusiasts, schools, local communities, and sports lovers while generating excitement ahead of the tournament. Organisers believe the extensive tour has helped build nationwide anticipation for the latest edition of the historic competition.
West Bengal Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Services and Sports, Indranil Khan, said the Durand Cup remains a matter of immense pride for football lovers in the state. He urged supporters to fill the stadiums from the opening match through the final, emphasizing that passionate fans provide the greatest motivation for players on the field.
Additional Chief Secretary Rajesh Pandey also praised the remarkable heritage of the Durand Cup, noting that very few sporting events in India possess such a distinguished legacy. He reaffirmed the West Bengal government’s commitment to supporting the Indian Army in organising another successful edition of the tournament.
Organised by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army on behalf of the three armed services with support from the host state governments, the Durand Cup is the world’s third-oldest surviving football competition and the oldest football tournament in Asia. Established in 1888, it continues to serve as a prestigious platform where leading Indian clubs, Services teams, and international participants compete for one of the country’s most respected football honours.
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This year’s edition will be hosted across Kolkata, Ranchi, Guwahati, Shillong, and Imphal, featuring 24 teams, including a foreign team representing the Sri Lankan Armed Forces. With the successful completion of the Trophy Tour and the trophies now showcased in Kolkata, football fans across the country eagerly await the start of another memorable chapter in the rich history of the Durand Cup.
