135th IndianOil Durand Cup Concludes in Grand Style, East Bengal FC Crowned Champions
Kolkata, August 24: The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup came to a spectacular close on Sunday, August 23, at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, bringing a month-long celebration of competitive football to an end. Organised by the Indian Armed Forces, the historic tournament concluded with a grand closing ceremony and awards presentation attended by senior military and civil dignitaries.
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh was the Chief Guest at the closing ceremony. The event was attended by Chief of Defence Staff and President of the Durand Football Tournament Society, General N. S. Raja Subramani, senior commanders of the Eastern Command, representatives of the Government of West Bengal, All India Football Federation President Kalyan Chaubey, participating clubs, sponsors, partners and members of the football fraternity.
East Bengal FC Lift the Historic Honours
East Bengal FC emerged as the champions of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup. The club received the prestigious Durand Cup, President’s Cup and Simla Trophy from Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh.
The champions were also awarded their Gold Medals, while the club received the ₹1.21 crore Champions’ prize cheque.
Runners-up Mohun Bagan Super Giant were presented with their Silver Medals and a ₹60 lakh prize cheque.
Individual Awards
The tournament’s top individual performers were also recognised during the ceremony.
Vishal Kaith of Mohun Bagan Super Giant won the Golden Glove, receiving ₹3 lakh and the keys to an SUV.
Alaaeddine Ajaraie of NorthEast United FC was awarded the Golden Boot, along with ₹3 lakh and an SUV.
The Golden Ball went to Edmund Lalrindika of East Bengal FC, who also received ₹3 lakh and an SUV.
Financial Awards for Knockout-Stage Teams
The four quarter-finalists who exited the competition at that stage—Indian Army FT, Jamshedpur FC, Shillong Lajong FC and FC Raengdai—were each presented with ₹15 lakh.
The two losing semi-finalists, SC Delhi and NorthEast United FC, received ₹25 lakh each.
The awards recognised the performances of teams throughout the knockout stages of the tournament.
A Celebration of India’s Cultural Heritage
The closing ceremony went beyond football, combining India’s cultural diversity with the traditions of West Bengal and the martial heritage of the Indian Army.
Performances featuring Gatka, Kalaripayattu, Krav Maga and Mallakhamb showcased India’s martial traditions, while Purulia Chhau highlighted the rich folk culture of Bengal. The Chhau presentation was performed by artists from Kalipada Chhau Nritya Samity and Jaladhar Chhau Nritya Academy.
The programme also featured a special Trophy Drill, showcasing the three prestigious trophies associated with the Durand Cup. An audio-visual presentation traced the tournament’s long history and legacy.
Drill Displays and Final Ceremony
The ceremonial proceedings included a Ball Drill and Flag March, with the tournament and Fair Play flags making their ceremonial entry onto the field. Match officials and players then entered the pitch before the teams met the dignitaries and posed for photographs with the trophies.
During half-time, the Air Warrior Drill Team – Arjan delivered a precision display featuring coordinated rifle manoeuvres.
Following the final whistle, an Indian Army Orchestra Band performance brought the post-match celebrations to a close.
The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup once again brought together football, military tradition and India’s cultural diversity, adding another memorable chapter to one of the country’s oldest football tournaments.
— Suman Munshi | IBG NEWS
