Durand Cup trophy tour reaches Kolkata ahead of July 25 kick-off

Kolkata: The Trophy Tour of the 135th Indian Oil Durand Cup arrived in Kolkata on Wednesday, completing its journey across all five host states ahead of the Asia's oldest football tournament on July 25.

The Durand Cup will get underway on July 25 with the iconic Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC.

Arriving from Ranchi, the tournament's three iconic trophies were showcased during a ceremonial function at Vijay Durg.


“For the Indian Army, the Durand Cup remains one of our most cherished sporting commitments and example of military-civil partnership at its best. Since 2019, Kolkata has proudly served as the tournament's principal host city, where football is not merely a sport but a way of life. This partnership continues to strengthen the legacy of India's oldest football tournament,” Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, who is Chief of Staff-Headquarters Eastern Command, and Chairman of Durand Cup Organising Committee, said.

“The extension of the Durand Cup under the aegis of the Eastern Command until 2032 is a matter of great pride for all of us. It reflects the tremendous support the tournament has received and the remarkable growth it has witnessed over the years,” Major General Dinesh Kumar Singh, General Officer Commanding- Bengal Sub Area and Vice Chairman of Durand Cup Organising Committee, said.

West Bengal Minister of State (Independent Charge) Youth Services and Sports Indranil Khan said, “Kolkata is privileged to host 16 matches during this edition of the Durand Cup, including the opening match and the Final. I appeal to every football enthusiast across West Bengal to fill the stadiums from the opening match to the Final.”

Over the past two weeks, the tournament's three historic trophies travelled through all five host states, connecting with football enthusiasts and local communities while building excitement for the forthcoming edition of the competition.

As the home of the Durand Cup since its revival in 2019, Kolkata once again occupies centre stage in the tournament's journey. The city will host the opening match, Groups A and B, a quarter-final, a semi-final and the Final, reaffirming its status as the heartbeat of the competition.