Durand Cup 2026 Trophy Tour Begins from Shillong as Meghalaya Unveils Historic Silverware
Youth Engagement Drive Kicks Off Ahead of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup
By Suman Munshi | IBG NEWS
Shillong, July 11: The road to the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup, Asia’s oldest and one of the world’s most prestigious football tournaments, officially began in Meghalaya on Saturday as the tournament’s iconic trophies were unveiled in Shillong. The ceremony marked the launch of the much-anticipated Durand Cup Trophy Tour, signalling the countdown to India’s premier football championship.
The trophies were unveiled by Meghalaya Sports Minister Wailadmiki Shylla, in the presence of senior officials from the Indian Armed Forces, the Government of Meghalaya, and distinguished guests associated with the tournament. The event reflected the growing importance of Meghalaya as one of the key football destinations in the country.
Three Historic Trophies Embark on Statewide Journey
The Trophy Tour features the tournament’s three prestigious pieces of silverware:
- The Durand Cup Trophy – representing Asia’s oldest football tournament.
- The Rolling Shimla Trophy – presented by the citizens of Shimla in 1904 in recognition of their passion for football.
- The President’s Cup – instituted in 1956 by India’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, which is awarded permanently to the tournament champions.
From 11 to 14 July, the trophies will travel across Shillong, Jowai, and Tura, bringing the legacy of the Durand Cup closer to football enthusiasts throughout Meghalaya.
Within Shillong, the Trophy Tour will pass through several iconic landmarks, including Umshyrpi Bridge, Shillong Peak, and Laitumkhrah, with the objective of inspiring young footballers and promoting the spirit of the game among the state’s youth.
Durand Cup Returns with Expanded National Footprint
The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup will be played from 25 July to 23 August 2026, spanning five states and reinforcing its status as India’s largest multi-city football tournament.
This year’s edition will be hosted across:
- Kolkata, West Bengal
- Ranchi, Jharkhand
- Guwahati, Assam
- Imphal, Manipur
- Shillong, Meghalaya
The inclusion of Ranchi and Guwahati as full-fledged host cities for the first time reflects the tournament’s continued expansion and its commitment to promoting football across eastern and northeastern India.
Six Venues to Host the Championship
A total of six stadiums have been selected to stage matches during the tournament:
- Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata
- Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata
- Khuman Lampak Stadium, Imphal
- Morhabadi Stadium, Ranchi
- Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong
- Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati
These venues will host league matches, knockout fixtures, and the later stages of one of Indian football’s most celebrated competitions.
Shillong to Host Opening Ceremony and Semifinal
Shillong’s football celebrations will begin on 31 July with an opening ceremony followed by the inaugural match of the city’s fixtures. The Meghalaya capital will continue to host league-stage encounters before culminating with one of the tournament’s semifinal matches on 20 August.
Pool E, which will be played in Shillong, features a strong mix of local and national clubs:
- Shillong Lajong FC
- Nongkseh FC & Cultural Club (Nongkseh FC&CC)
- Langsning FC
- Mumbai FC
The group promises exciting contests while offering local supporters an opportunity to witness high-quality football on home soil.
Football Festival Beyond the Pitch
The Durand Cup Trophy Tour has evolved into more than a ceremonial event. It serves as a nationwide campaign to connect communities with India’s football heritage, encourage grassroots participation, and inspire the next generation of players.
For Meghalaya—a state renowned for producing talented footballers and passionate supporters—the arrival of the iconic trophies symbolises both recognition of its football culture and an opportunity to showcase the region on the national sporting stage.
With preparations now entering their final phase, anticipation continues to build for another memorable edition of the Durand Cup, where tradition, competition, and the future of Indian football will once again come together on a single platform.
