Assam Reaffirms Football Vision as 135th IndianOil Durand Cup Trophy Tour Reaches Guwahati
By Antara Tripathy | IBG NEWS
Guwahati | July 16, 2026
Assam has once again reaffirmed its commitment to promoting football at the grassroots level as the prestigious 135th IndianOil Durand Cup Trophy Tour arrived in Guwahati on Thursday. The city hosted the official Trophy Display and Press Conference at Hotel Vivanta ahead of the tournament’s fifth consecutive edition in the state, underlining Assam’s growing role in Indian football.
The event was attended by Shri Biswajit Daimary, Hon’ble Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare, Government of Assam; Shri Kausar Jamil Hilaly, IAS (Retd.), Special Secretary, Sports and Youth Welfare Department; Maj Gen Dinesh Kumar Singh, SM, VSM, General Officer Commanding, Bengal Sub Area and Vice Chairman of the Durand Cup Organising Committee; Maj Gen Amit Dhir, VSM, Chief of Staff, Gajraj Corps; Brig Anupam Sharma, Commander, Invictus Brigade; Shri Ankur Bharali, ACS, Director of Sports & Youth Welfare, Government of Assam; and Parthib Gogoi, forward of defending champions NorthEast United FC.
Assam’s Grassroots Football Push
Addressing the gathering, Sports Minister Biswajit Daimary said football occupies a special place in Assam’s sporting culture and that hosting the Durand Cup provides both prestige and an opportunity to inspire young athletes.
He stressed that the state’s focus should move beyond merely identifying talented players to building a structured football ecosystem through grassroots development, improved infrastructure and sustained institutional support. According to him, quality playgrounds, regular competitive opportunities and partnerships with organisations such as the Indian Army will play a crucial role in strengthening Indian football.
Durand Cup Inspiring the Next Generation
Speaking at the event, Maj Gen Dinesh Kumar Singh highlighted that the Durand Cup is more than just a football tournament. He said it serves as a platform to inspire aspiring footballers across the North-East while contributing to the long-term development of India’s football ecosystem.
He added that the continued collaboration between the Indian Army, the Government of Assam and tournament partners is helping create opportunities for local talent and nurturing future football stars.
Champions Ready for Another Campaign
Representing reigning champions NorthEast United FC, striker Parthib Gogoi reflected on the club’s memorable title-winning journey. He said the Durand Cup victory was achieved through determination, discipline and teamwork, adding that the team is excited to return to Guwahati, where passionate home support continues to motivate the players.
Historic Trophies Begin City Tour
Following the ceremony, the iconic Durand Cup Trophy, President’s Cup and Simla Trophy embarked on a two-day public tour across Guwahati. The trophies are scheduled to visit several prominent landmarks, including the Assam Legislative Assembly, Bir Lachit Borphukan Statue, IIT Guwahati and City Centre Mall, allowing football enthusiasts to experience the tournament’s rich heritage ahead of kickoff.
A Legacy of Excellence
Chief of Staff, Gajraj Corps, Maj Gen Amit Dhir said the Durand Cup has represented excellence in Indian football for well over a century. He noted that the tournament’s continued success reflects the strong partnership between the Armed Forces, the Government of Assam and the football fraternity, while providing young footballers with an invaluable national platform.
Assam’s Expanding Role
Since becoming a host state in 2023, Assam has emerged as an important venue in the modern journey of the Durand Cup. This year’s Guwahati leg will host six Group F matches, featuring NorthEast United FC, Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC, Bodoland FC, and FC 1. The participation of three clubs from Assam reflects the state’s increasing contribution to Indian football.
Tournament Schedule
The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup will be held from July 25 to August 23, 2026, across Kolkata, Shillong, Imphal, Guwahati and Ranchi, with Ranchi making its debut as a host city in the tournament’s long history.
Organised by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army on behalf of the three Services, in partnership with the host state governments, the Durand Cup remains the world’s third-oldest surviving football tournament since its inception in 1888.
The 2026 edition will feature 24 teams, including a team representing the Sri Lankan Armed Forces, competing in 43 matches across six venues. The tournament will begin with the much-awaited Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on July 25, with the final scheduled at the same venue on August 23, 2026.
