135th IndianOil Durand Cup Kicks Off in Guwahati with Grand Tribute to Assam’s Culture and India’s Military Heritage
By Suman Munshi | Chief Editor, IBG NEWS
Guwahati, August 1, 2026: The Guwahati chapter of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup was inaugurated with an impressive opening ceremony at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Saturday, blending Assam’s vibrant cultural traditions with the proud heritage of the Indian Armed Forces before the opening Group F clash between defending champions NorthEast United FC and Bodoland FC.
Organised by the Indian Armed Forces with the support of the Government of Assam, the ceremony showcased why the Durand Cup continues to be one of India’s most prestigious football competitions while celebrating the unique cultural identity of the Northeast.
The inauguration was attended by several distinguished civil and military dignitaries, including Assam Sports Minister Biswajit Daimary, Finance, Environment and Forest Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, senior officials from the Government of Assam, top commanders of the Indian Army, representatives of the All India Football Federation, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, participating clubs, sponsors and members of the football fraternity.
The celebrations began well before kick-off with an array of attractions designed to entertain football fans and visitors. A tethered hot-air balloon, performances by military jazz ensembles, brass and pipe bands, a military dog show and specially curated audiovisual presentations highlighting the history of the Durand Cup and the tournament’s trophy tour created a festive atmosphere around the stadium.
The formal ceremony commenced with the arrival of the chief guests and senior dignitaries, followed by ceremonial honours and musical performances by a combined Military Band and the NCC All Girls’ Brass Band. A spectacular skydiving display captured the attention of thousands of spectators before the official match ball and the tournament’s three iconic trophies were ceremonially presented.
Assam’s rich cultural heritage then took centre stage through colourful performances featuring Bagurumba, Bardwi Sikhla, Bihu, and Bhortal, reflecting the state’s diverse traditions. The cultural showcase was complemented by paramotor demonstrations, aeromodelling displays and a presentation of “Badluram Ka Badan,” highlighting the military traditions closely associated with the historic tournament.
The audience was further treated to an impressive flypast by an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), followed by energetic performances of Chenda drumming and the ancient martial art Kalaripayattu. A specially produced Durand Cup theme film added to the excitement before the ceremonial parade continued.
The ceremonial proceedings also featured the entry of the Eastern Command Flag, the Durand Cup Flag and the All India Football Federation Fair Play Flag. Players and match officials from both teams entered the field before the chief guests greeted them and participated in an official group photograph.
The Guwahati chapter was formally declared open through a ceremonial kick-off by the Chief Guest. The historic moment was marked by a spectacular flypast of a Su-30MKI fighter aircraft, symbolising the enduring association between the Indian Armed Forces and Asia’s oldest football tournament. Following the inauguration, the dignitaries posed with the tournament’s three prestigious trophies before the opening Group F encounter got underway.
The ceremony underscored the Durand Cup’s growing presence across the Northeastern region, reinforcing its role in bringing together football, military tradition and regional culture on one platform.
Established in 1888, the Durand Cup remains Asia’s oldest football tournament and the world’s third-oldest surviving football competition. While its roots lie in military tradition, the championship has evolved into one of India’s premier football tournaments without losing its historic identity.
The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup is being played from July 25 to August 23, 2026, across five host cities—Kolkata, Guwahati, Shillong, Ranchi and Imphal. The tournament features 24 teams, including a foreign contingent representing the Sri Lankan Armed Forces, competing in 43 matches across six venues. Football fans can watch the tournament live on Sony LIV, while television coverage is available on Sony Ten 5 HD and SD.
