Kolkata welcomed the trophies of the 135th Durand Cup today as the Trophy Tour concluded its journey across all five host states ahead of the kick-off of Asia’s oldest football tournament on July 25.
Arriving from Ranchi, the tournament’s three iconic trophies were showcased during a ceremonial function and press conference at AOI Vijay Durg, marking the final stop of the nationwide Trophy Tour before football action gets underway in the City of Joy.
The event was attended by Dr. Indranil Khan, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Departments of Youth Services and Sports and Consumer Affairs, Government of West Bengal, Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Eastern Command and Chairman of the Durand Cup Organising Committee, Rajesh Pandey, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Youth Services & Sports and Department of Cooperation, Government of West Bengal, and Major General Dinesh Kumar Singh, General Officer Commanding, Bengal Sub Area and Vice Chairman of the Durand Cup Organising Committee, along with senior civil and military officials, representatives of participating clubs, sponsors, partners and members of the football fraternity.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Indranil Khan said, “Kolkata is privileged to host 16 matches during this edition of the Durand Cup, including the opening match and the Final, and that is a matter of great pride for every football lover in our state. During the recent FIFA Club World Cup, we all supported clubs from around the world. Now it is time to unite behind Indian football and our own footballers. I appeal to every football enthusiast across West Bengal to fill the stadiums from the opening match to the Final, because there is no greater encouragement for our players than the unwavering support of passionate fans.”
The ceremony featured audio-visual presentations tracing the rich legacy of the Durand Cup, the ceremonial unveiling of the tournament’s three iconic trophies at Rashtrapati Bhavan and a special message from actor John Abraham celebrating the competition. Dr. Indranil Khan and Rajesh Pandey were felicitated before Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh delivered the welcome address.
Speaking on the occasion, Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh said, “For the Indian Army, the Durand Cup remains one of our most cherished sporting commitments and a shining example of military-civil partnership at its very best. Since 2019, Kolkata has proudly served as the tournament’s principal host city, where football is not merely a sport but a way of life. This partnership continues to strengthen the legacy of India’s oldest football tournament.”
The programme concluded with a moderated interaction with the media, followed by the ceremonial display of the Durand Cup, President’s Cup and Simla Trophy and a group photograph.
With the completion of the Trophy Tour, the countdown to the 135th Durand Cup has officially begun. Over the past two weeks, the tournament’s three historic trophies travelled through all five host states, engaging with football enthusiasts and local communities while building excitement for the new edition.
Kolkata, which has served as the home of the revived Durand Cup since 2019, will once again host the opening match, Group A and Group B fixtures, a quarter-final, a semi-final and the final.
Major General Dinesh Kumar Singh said, “The extension of the Durand Cup under the aegis of the Eastern Command until 2032 is a matter of great pride for all of us. It reflects the tremendous support the tournament has received and the remarkable growth it has witnessed over the years. With the wholehearted support of the Government of West Bengal and our other host states, we remain committed to taking the tournament to new venues, creating opportunities for more young footballers and further strengthening Indian football.”
The 135th Durand Cup will kick off on July 25 with the Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
Group A comprises record 17-time champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant, 16-time winners East Bengal FC, South United FC and CISF Protectors, while Group B features Mohammedan SC, the Indian Army Football Team, Durand Cup debutants Baghpat FC and Samaleswari Sporting. Besides the group-stage fixtures, Kolkata will also host a quarter-final, a semi-final and the final on August 23.
