President Murmu Unveils Trophies for 135th Durand Cup
President Droupadi Murmu unveiled the coveted Durand Cup trophies at a ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in New Delhi on Tuesday, officially commencing the build-up to the 135th edition of Asia's oldest football tournament. The tournament kicks off on July 25 at Kolkata's Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan and runs through August 23, 2026.
Continuing a tradition linked to India's highest office, President Murmu graced the event, a legacy started by India's first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad. The President's Cup, one of three unique trophies awarded to winners, was instituted by Dr. Rajendra Prasad and first awarded by him, according to a press release.
President Highlights Football's Unifying Power
Addressing the gathering, President Murmu said, "The Durand Cup has provided a platform to numerous football talents. I have been informed that this year, some new teams will also compete to become the winners of the Durand Cup, the President's Cup and the Shimla Trophy. I am pleased to know that a team from Sri Lanka is also participating in the tournament this year. I am confident that the inclusion of new teams will make this historic competition even more popular."
She emphasized the broader impact of sports: "Football brings people together. Good performances by players inspire and excite sports enthusiasts everywhere. The importance of sporting spirit is not limited to sports alone. It is an important value in life that teaches us equality, cooperation and the ability to remain resilient even in adverse circumstances." She extended best wishes to all teams and players, urging them to perform with excellence and true sporting spirit.
Senior Defence Officials Attend Ceremony
The ceremony was attended by General N S Raja Subramani, Chief of Defence Staff and President of the Durand Football Tournament Society; General Dhiraj Seth, Chief of the Army Staff; Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Chief of the Naval Staff; Air Marshal S. Sivakumar; Lieutenant General V M Bhuvana Krishnan, Patron of the Durand Cup Organising Committee; and Lieutenant General Rajesh Sethi, Chairman of the Standing Working Committee, along with other senior armed forces officials.
Indian national team star Lallianzuala Chhangte and All India Football Federation President Kalyan Chaubey also graced the occasion, alongside representatives of all 24 participating teams, sponsors, and partners.
CDS and Organisers Share Vision for 135th Edition
General NS Raja Subramani said, "The Durand Cup has continued to gain popularity across the years and in this edition the popularity of football along with the popularity of the teams participating will increase with the enthusiasm of the players and the fans. The FIFA World Cup is being celebrated with great enthusiasm across the world. I hope that the Durand Cup, too, will bring together the spirit of the world's most prestigious football competitions, as well as the sentiments of unity and sporting excellence, and will inspire the upcoming generations." He expressed gratitude to the President for her encouragement.
Lieutenant General Rajesh Sethi noted, "The Durand Cup is not merely a football tournament; it is a powerful symbol of cooperation and unity that resonates not only across our nation but also beyond our borders. This year, 23 Indian teams are participating, including the Indian Defence Forces--Army, Navy and Air Force--as well as the Central Armed Police Forces, alongside several renowned and emerging football clubs. For the first time in this year's Durand Cup, Sri Lanka's Defender FC is participating, exemplifying the spirit of friendship and cooperation between the two nations."
Eastern Command's Role in Nurturing Football Legacy
Lieutenant General V M Bhuvana Krishnan stated, "Over the years, the Eastern Command has been proud to play a vital role in nurturing this legacy. Our region, rich in footballing culture, from Kolkata's historic clubs to emerging centres across the East and Northeast has become a vibrant hub for players and fans alike. The Eastern Command have supported infrastructure, youth outreach, and competitive platforms that have helped local talent rise to national prominence." He added that the Durand Cup has evolved while preserving its heritage, providing a prestigious platform for generations of players.
Chhangte Reflects on Durand Cup's Impact
Lallianzuala Chhangte shared his personal connection: "The Durand Cup holds a very special place in my heart. It is not just one of the oldest and most prestigious football tournaments in the world; it is a tournament that changed my life. I have had the privilege of playing in it several times, and I can honestly say that without the opportunities it has given me, I may never have reached where I am today. It became a turning point in my career, allowing me to grow and believe that greater things were possible."
Trophy Tour and Tournament Details
Following the flag-off ceremony, the Trophy Tour will travel across all five host cities: Shillong (July 11-14), Imphal (July 15), Guwahati (July 16-17), Ranchi (July 18-19), and concluding in Kolkata on July 21 with the official pre-tournament press conference.
The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup will be played from July 25 to August 23, 2026, across five host cities: Kolkata, Ranchi, Imphal, Shillong, and Guwahati. Ranchi makes its historic debut as a host venue in the tournament's 138-year history. A total of 43 matches will be played across six venues: Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan and Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, Birsa Munda Football Stadium in Ranchi, Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal, and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.
The opening match on July 25 will be the Kolkata Derby between record 17-time champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant and 16-time winners East Bengal FC. The final will be held on August 23 at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
Organised by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army on behalf of the three Services, the Durand Cup is the world's third-oldest surviving football competition, established in 1888. The 135th edition features 24 teams, including one foreign team from Sri Lanka's armed forces.
