New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu officially unveiled and flagged off the trophies for the 2026 Durand Cup at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre today, marking the formal launch of preparations for the 135th edition of Asia’s oldest football tournament.
The ceremonial event brought together senior officials from the Indian Armed Forces and football administrators, reflecting the long-standing association between the military and the prestigious competition.
Addressing the gathering, President Murmu highlighted the transformative role of sports in society, saying that the values learned on the field extend well beyond the game. She noted that football fosters equality, teamwork, cooperation, and resilience, adding that these qualities can inspire citizens to work collectively towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
The President also welcomed the expansion of the tournament, noting that several new teams will compete this year for the Durand Cup, the President’s Cup, and the Shimla Trophy. She expressed particular delight over the participation of a club from Sri Lanka, stating that the inclusion of overseas teams would further enhance the stature and popularity of the competition.
The 2026 Durand Cup will feature 24 teams, including two international sides, with the tournament scheduled to run from July 25 to August 23.
President Droupadi Murmu described football as one of the world’s most popular sports and a symbol of excellence, unity, and sportsmanship, saying the ongoing FIFA World Cup reflects the game’s global appeal and inspires millions of fans. Acknowledging that India still has a long way to go in establishing itself on the world football stage, she expressed confidence that the Durand Cup would play a vital role in nurturing emerging talent. The President also said the values of football—teamwork, equality, resilience, and cooperation—extend beyond the field and can inspire citizens to work together towards achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
In a historic first, the competition will be staged across six venues in five cities—Kolkata, Guwahati, Shillong, Imphal, Ranchi, and an additional venue in Kolkata—expanding the tournament’s footprint and bringing top-level football to more fans across the country.
The Durand Cup, one of the world’s oldest football tournaments, continues to serve as a key fixture in India’s football calendar, bringing together leading clubs, Armed Forces teams, and international participants in a celebration of the sport’s rich heritage.
Former Indian National Football team Captain and veteran coach Shabbir Ali, who has enjoyed a long association with the Durand Cup, expressed his gratitude for being invited to the trophy unveiling ceremony.
“I am thankful to the Durand Committee for inviting me to the trophy unveiling ceremony. The Durand Cup is a prestigious tournament with a rich legacy, and I am delighted to see that tradition continue,” said Ali.
Speaking about the tournament’s significance, he added, “As a pre-season competition, the Durand Cup provides teams with an excellent opportunity to assess their squad depth and bench strength before the start of the new season.”
The President said that India still has a long journey ahead to establish a presence on the global football stage. She expressed hope that the tournament would play a significant role in nurturing football talent.
The ceremony was attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan and other senior officers from Indian Defence , reflecting the Armed Forces’ long-standing association with the prestigious tournament.
