President of India Droupadi Murmu today flagged off the three Durand Cup trophies from Rashtrapati Bhawan, formally marking the commencement of the 134th edition of Asia’s oldest and India’s most prestigious football tournament.
The tournament is set to begin on July 23.
This year for the first time ever, the Durand Cup is being played across five states – West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, Meghalaya and Manipur. Meghalaya’s matches will be held at the JN Stadium here for the second consecutive year.
The official list of teams and tournament groups is expected to be announced later this week. However, it has been reported that Shillong Lajong FC, who were semifinalists last year, will be returning. Some reports have also included Rangdajied United FC, who were drafted in as last-minute replacements in 2024 for Hyderabad FC after the latter suddenly pulled out of the competition.
The defending champions are NorthEast United FC, who defeated Mohun Bagan in last year’s final. NEUFC had ended Lajong’s fantastic run in the 2024 tournament.
This is the second consecutive year the President has performed this symbolic gesture, continuing a post-Independence tradition of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces’ direct association with the Durand Cup.
The ceremony also saw the presence of senior military figures, renowned Indian footballer Sandesh Jhingan and representatives of the host states, including Meghalaya’s Director of Sports and Youth Affairs Dikki D Shira.
Speaking at the occasion, Murmu acknowledged the Durand Cup as a living symbol of India’s footballing heritage and Armed Forces’ sporting commitment, adding that “football has a special place in the hearts of millions. It is not just a sport; it is a passion. The game of football is all about strategy, endurance and working together towards a common goal. Events like the Durand Cup not only foster the spirit of the game but also help develop the next generation of football players, providing them with a platform to grow. She appreciated the role of the Armed Forces in keeping alive and promoting the spirit of the Durand Cup.”
Jhingan, who has also captained the national side on several occasions, recalled his enduring experiences with the Durand Cup and said, “We have gathered here today to not merely unveil a trophy, but to celebrate a legacy, a century old tradition, that has, thanks to the Indian Army’s spirit of unwavering dedication and sacrifice, played a vital role in shaping the journey of Indian football: the Durand Cup.”
The trio of trophies – the Durand Cup, the President’s Cup and the Shimla Trophy – will now embark on a multi-city tour across this year’s five host states: West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, Meghalaya and Manipur. The trophy tour aims to ignite public enthusiasm and community pride in the lead-up to the tournament’s kick-off on July 23. The grand finale is scheduled for August 23.
