Payel Paul, Kolkata :
In a major boost to Indian football, the 134th edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup will feature a significantly enhanced prize pool of ₹3 crore, tripling from previous years. The announcement was made during a ceremonial unveiling of the tournament’s iconic trophies at AOI Vijay Durg in Kolkata, setting the tone for what promises to be a blockbuster edition of the country's oldest football tournament.
The grand showcase featured the coveted Durand Cup trophy, the rolling Shimla Trophy donated by the people of Shimla in 1904, and the President’s Cup, all displayed before a gathering of dignitaries and football stakeholders. Present at the event were West Bengal Sports Minister Shri Aroop Biswas, Principal Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Sinha IAS, Lt Gen Mohit Malhotra, and Maj Gen Rajesh Arun Moghe.
“With increased media coverage planned for the Durand Cup and the Honourable Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee gracing the grand finale on August 23rd, the atmosphere promises to be electric,” said Aroop Biswas. “A ticket quota of 5,000 each has been allocated to Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mohammedan SC, and Diamond Harbour FC to ensure a vibrant fan presence in the stands. We wish all the teams the very best as they compete in Asia’s oldest and most prestigious football tournament.”
The Durand Cup, established in 1888 in Shimla, is not just India’s oldest football competition but also the oldest in Asia and the third-oldest in the world. What began as a military tournament has since transformed into a national sporting institution. The tournament moved to Kolkata in 2019 under the aegis of the Indian Army’s Eastern Command, and since then, the city’s deep footballing heritage has breathed new life into the event, making it a pan-India celebration across five states this year — West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, Meghalaya, and Manipur.
“The Durand Cup has come back to its past glory in the last six years after being hosted in Kolkata,” said Rajesh Kumar Sinha, IAS. “The government has also spent ₹15 Cr on the Durand Cup. The contribution of all the departments of West Bengal under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Smt. Mamata Banerjee is of great importance.”
The tournament is adopting a league-cum-knockout format and will host 24 teams, including some of India’s top clubs and rising grassroots talents. For the first time in its long history, the Durand Cup will also award brand-new SUVs to three individual players for their standout performances.
“This year the tournament has significantly ramped up its prize structure, from under ₹1.2 Cr in the past to over ₹3 Cr now,” said Lt Gen Mohit Malhotra. “With its passionate fans, historic clubs, and unmatched footballing culture, Kolkata remains the spiritual home of the game in India.”
Matches in Kolkata will be played at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) and Kishore Bharati Krirangan (KBK), with the city set to host 15 games, including one quarter-final, one semi-final, and the final on August 23.
“This year, the tournament continues with the League-cum-Knockout format that has served us well,” said Maj Gen Rajesh Arun Moghe. “A total of 24 teams, divided into six pools, will compete across five states… We are also proud to provide a platform for four promising grassroots teams in 1-Ladakh FC, South United FC, Bodoland FC, and Rangdajied United FC.”
Group A will include Emami East Bengal FC, Indian Air Force FT, Namdhari FC, and South United FC, with the opening clash between East Bengal and South United on July 23 at VYBK. Group B will bring together Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Mohammedan SC, BSF FT, and Diamond Harbour FC — with the Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan set to electrify fans on July 31 at KBK.
As the Durand Cup enters its 134th chapter, its legacy continues — rooted in history, driven by ambition, and now fuelled by record rewards and renewed passion from the City of Joy.
Photo Courtasy : Eastern Command & Sufal Bhattacharya
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