135th IndianOil Durand Cup Goes Fully Digital in Kolkata, Fans Can Enter Stadium with M-Tickets
By Suman Munshi
IBG NEWS
Kolkata, July 23, 2026: Football fans attending the Kolkata leg of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup are set to enjoy a smoother matchday experience, as the Durand Cup Organising Committee (DCOC) has introduced a fully digital ticket entry system for all matches in the city. The new initiative allows spectators to enter the stadium directly by presenting their mobile M-Ticket, eliminating the need to collect a physical ticket in advance.
The fan-friendly initiative has been introduced with the support of the Government of West Bengal and the efforts of Dr. Indranil Khan, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Departments of Youth Services & Sports and Consumer Affairs.
Digital Entry Begins from July 24
According to the organisers, all tickets purchased online from July 24 onwards for any Kolkata match of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup will be valid for direct entry into the stadium.
Fans will simply need to display their digital M-Ticket at the designated entry gate, significantly reducing waiting times and streamlining the matchday experience.
In previous editions, supporters who purchased tickets online were required to visit designated counters to redeem physical tickets before the match. The new system removes this additional step, making the ticketing process faster, more convenient, and completely paperless for most spectators.
Kolkata Derby to Open the Tournament
The tournament will kick off with one of Indian football’s biggest rivalries as East Bengal FC takes on Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the opening Kolkata Derby on July 25.
The 135th edition of Asia’s oldest football tournament will run until August 23, 2026, featuring 24 teams competing across 43 matches.
Five Host Cities
This year’s Durand Cup will be hosted across five cities:
- Kolkata
- Ranchi
- Guwahati
- Shillong
- Imphal
Alongside leading Indian clubs, the tournament will also feature an international participant, with a team representing the Sri Lankan Armed Forces joining the competition.
A Step Towards Smarter Matchday Experience
The introduction of digital ticket validation marks a significant step in modernising the fan experience at the Durand Cup. By removing the requirement for physical ticket redemption, organisers aim to reduce congestion at ticket counters, improve crowd management, and provide faster access to stadiums.
The initiative also aligns with broader efforts to promote digital services and sustainable, paperless event management, setting a new benchmark for football tournaments in India.
As thousands of football enthusiasts prepare for another exciting edition of the historic Durand Cup, the new digital entry system promises to make attending matches in Kolkata more seamless, efficient, and convenient than ever before.
