Kolkata Gears Up for 135th IndianOil Durand Cup as Trophy Tour Reaches Grand Finale
By Suman Munshi | IBG NEWS
Kolkata, July 22: The City of Joy has officially welcomed the iconic trophies of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup, marking the successful conclusion of the nationwide Trophy Tour and signalling the final countdown to Asia’s oldest football tournament. The competition will kick off on July 25, with Kolkata once again serving as the tournament’s principal host city.
The ceremonial reception took place at AOI Vijay Durg, where the three prestigious trophies—the Durand Cup Trophy, President’s Cup and Simla Trophy—were showcased before football enthusiasts, dignitaries, civil and military officials, and members of the sporting fraternity.
West Bengal’s Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Services & Sports and Consumer Affairs, Dr. Indranil Khan, led the celebrations as the chief guest. Senior officials from the Government of West Bengal and the Indian Army, including Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Eastern Command and Chairman of the Durand Cup Organising Committee, Additional Chief Secretary Rajesh Pandey, and Major General Dinesh Kumar Singh, Vice Chairman of the Organising Committee, were also present.
Kolkata to Host 16 Matches
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Indranil Khan said hosting 16 matches, including the opening fixture and the grand final, is a matter of pride for West Bengal.
He urged football lovers across the state to fill the stadiums throughout the tournament, stating that passionate fan support remains the greatest motivation for Indian footballers. Drawing a comparison with the enthusiasm shown during the FIFA Club World Cup, he appealed to supporters to now rally behind Indian football and its players.
Celebrating a Historic Legacy
The ceremony featured an audio-visual presentation chronicling the rich history of the Durand Cup, beginning with its establishment in 1888, followed by footage of the ceremonial unveiling of the trophies at Rashtrapati Bhavan. A special video message from actor John Abraham added to the celebrations.
Senior state officials were felicitated during the event before Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh delivered the welcome address.
Describing the Durand Cup as one of the Indian Army’s most cherished sporting commitments, Lt. Gen. Gambhir Singh said the tournament stands as a shining example of military-civil cooperation. He noted that since its revival in Kolkata in 2019, the city has become synonymous with the tournament, reflecting its deep-rooted football culture.
Trophy Tour Builds National Excitement
The Kolkata event marked the completion of a two-week Trophy Tour that travelled across all five host states, engaging football fans and promoting the historic tournament ahead of its commencement.
Additional Chief Secretary Rajesh Pandey said few sporting competitions in India possess a heritage comparable to the Durand Cup. He expressed confidence that football fans were eagerly awaiting the opening Kolkata Derby, while reaffirming the West Bengal Government’s continued support for the Indian Army in organising the prestigious event.
Tournament to Continue Under Eastern Command Until 2032
Major General Dinesh Kumar Singh highlighted that the extension of the Durand Cup under the stewardship of the Eastern Command until 2032 reflects the tournament’s growing stature and widespread support.
He said the organisers remain committed to expanding the competition to new venues, creating greater opportunities for emerging footballers and strengthening Indian football with the support of host state governments.
Derby to Launch Tournament
The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup will begin on July 25 with one of Indian football’s biggest rivalries—the Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
Kolkata will host the opening match, Groups A and B, a quarter-final, a semi-final and the Final on August 23.
Group A features Mohun Bagan Super Giant, East Bengal FC, South United FC and CISF Protectors.
Group B comprises Mohammedan Sporting Club, the Indian Army Football Team, tournament debutants Baghpat FC and Samaleswari Sporting.
Asia’s Oldest Football Tournament
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 and the oldest football competition in Asia.
The 135th edition, scheduled from July 25 to August 23, 2026, will feature 24 teams, including a team representing the Sri Lankan Armed Forces, competing across 43 matches in Kolkata, Ranchi, Guwahati, Shillong and Imphal.
With the Trophy Tour now complete, Indian football’s most historic tournament is ready to begin, and Kolkata once again finds itself at the heart of the nation’s football celebrations.
