Durand Cup prize money to triple to ₹3 Cr. to give new players and teams a chance in the world of football.

Kolkata, July 17, 2025: The 134th IndianOil Durand Cup Organizing Committee (DCOC) announced that the total cash prize money pool of this year’s tournament will increase three times to ₹3 Crore. The announcement was made during the trophy unveiling ceremony in Kolkata as the City of Joy geared up to host Asia’s oldest football tournament. Along with the winners and runners up, teams reaching the semifinals and quarterfinals along with three individual awards will also receive a share of the prize pool.

The three trophies of the Durand Cup were showcased here at AOI Vijay Durg in the presence of Shri. Aroop Biswas, Minister-in-Charge, Department of Power, Housing, Youth Services & Sports, Government

of West Bengal who was the Chief Guest of the event. Also present, were Shri. Rajesh Kumar Sinha IAS, Principal Secretary, Housing, Youth Services & Sports, Disaster Management & Civil Defence Department, Government of West Bengal, Lt Gen Mohit Malhotra AVSM, SM, Chief of Staff HQ Eastern Command and Chairman Durand Cup Organising Committee and Maj Gen Rajesh Arun Moghe VSM, General Officer Commanding Bengal Sub Area and Vice-Chairman of Durand Cup Organising Committee.

The three glittering pieces of silverware, the Durand Cup, the original prize and the rolling Shimla Trophy (presented by residents of Shimla in 1904), as well as the President’s Cup which the winners keep

permanently, were unveiled by the dignitaries.

Speaking on the occasion Shri. Aroop Biswas, said “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. Ticket allocations for marquee clubs like Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mohammedan SC, and Diamond Harbour FC have also been finalised to ensure strong fan representation. 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.

Shri. Rajesh Kumar Sinha IAS mentioned “The Durand Cup has come back to its past glory in the last six years after being hosted in Kolkata. 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.

Mamta Banerjee who are willing to help for the smooth conduct of the tournament is of great importance.” Also speaking on the occasion Lt Gen Mohit Malhotra, “I am delighted to announce that this year the

tournament has significantly ramped up its prize structure, from under ₹1.2 Cr in the past to over ₹3 Cr now. In addition, three brand-new SUVs for the three individual award winners will also be presented. This reflects our growing commitment to both rewarding excellence and attracting the best talent from across

the nation. With its passionate fans, historic clubs, and unmatched footballing culture, Kolkata remains the spiritual home of the game in India. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Chief Minister of West Bengal, the State Sports Minister, the Department of Sports and all associated departments of the Government of

West Bengal for their unwavering support in making this leg of the tournament possible. Since 2019, under the leadership of HQ Eastern Command, the tournament has grown not only in scale but in stature,

credibility, and professional excellence.