Kolkata welcomes 135th IndianOil Durand Cup trophies as countdown begins to tournament kick-off

Dr. Indranil Khan, Hon'ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Department of Youth Services and Sports and Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of West Bengal, led the celebrations as the IndianOil Durand Cup Trophy Tour culminated in Kolkata, with the City of Joy now set to host the opening match, two groups and the Final of the 135th edition.

The Trophy Tour of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup arrived to Kolkata on Wednesday, completing its journey across all five host states ahead of the kick-off of Asia's oldest football tournament on July 25. Arriving from Ranchi, the tournament's three iconic trophies were showcased during a ceremonial function and press conference at AOI Vijay Durg, marking the culmination of the nationwide Trophy Tour before football action gets underway in the City of Joy.

The event was attended by Dr. Indranil Khan, Hon'ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Department of Youth Services and Sports and Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of West Bengal, as Chief Guest. Also present were Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Eastern Command and Chairman, Durand Cup Organising Committee; Shri Rajesh Pandey, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Youth Services & Sports and Department of Cooperation, Government of West Bengal; Major General Dinesh Kumar Singh, SM, VSM, General Officer Commanding, Bengal Sub Area and Vice Chairman, Durand Cup Organising Committee, along with senior civil and military officials, representatives of participating clubs, sponsors, partners and members of the football fraternity.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Indranil Khan, Hon'ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Department of Youth Services and Sports and Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of West Bengal, said, “Kolkata is privileged to host 16 matches during this edition of the Durand Cup, including the opening match and the Final, and that is a matter of great pride for every football lover in our state. During the recent FIFA Club World Cup, we all supported clubs from around the world. Now it is time to unite behind Indian football and our own footballers. I appeal to every football enthusiast across West Bengal to fill the stadiums from the opening match to the Final, because there is no greater encouragement for our players than the unwavering support of passionate fans.”

The ceremony commenced with the introduction of the dignitaries, followed by audio-visual presentations tracing the rich legacy of the Durand Cup, the ceremonial unveiling of the tournament's three iconic trophies at Rashtrapati Bhavan, and a special message from actor John Abraham celebrating the competition.

Dr. Indranil Khan, Hon'ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Department of Youth Services and Sports and Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of West Bengal, and 

hri Rajesh Pandey, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Youth Services & Sports and Department of Cooperation, Government of West Bengal, were felicitated before Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Eastern Command and Chairman, Durand Cup Organising Committee, delivered the welcome address.

Speaking on the occasion, Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Eastern Command and Chairman, Durand Cup Organising Committee, said, “For the Indian Army, the Durand Cup remains one of our most cherished sporting commitments and a shining example of military-civil partnership at its very 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.”

The programme concluded with a moderated interaction with the media, followed by the ceremonial showcasing of the Durand Cup, President's Cup and Simla Trophy and a group photograph.

The completion of the Trophy Tour signals the beginning of the final countdown to the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup. 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.

Shri Rajesh Pandey, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Youth Services & Sports and Department of Cooperation, Government of West Bengal, said, “The legacy of the Durand Cup is truly remarkable, and very few sporting events in India can claim such a distinguished heritage. We are delighted that the tournament returns to Kolkata with the iconic Kolkata Derby opening the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup, and I am certain football lovers across the state are eagerly looking forward to it. The Government of West Bengal is proud to support the Indian Army in ensuring another successful edition of this historic tournament.”

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.

Major General Dinesh Kumar Singh, SM, VSM, General Officer Commanding, Bengal Sub Area and Vice Chairman, 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. With the wholehearted support of the Government of West Bengal and our other host states, we remain committed to taking the tournament to new venues, creating opportunities for more young footballers and further strengthening Indian football.”

The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup will get underway in fitting fashion on July 25 with the iconic Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. Group A comprises record 17-time champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant, 16-time winners East Bengal FC, South United FC and CISF Protectors, while Group B brings together Mohammedan SC, Indian Army Football Team, Durand Cup debutants Baghpat FC and Samaleswari Sporting. Alongside the group stage, Kolkata will also host a quarter-final, a semi-final and the Final on August 23.

Organised by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army on behalf of the three Services and with 

the support of the respective host state governments, the Durand Cup is the world's third-oldest surviving football competition. Established in 1888, it continues to occupy a unique place in Indian football by bringing together the country's leading clubs, Services teams and international participation on one platform.

The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup will be played from July 25 to August 23, 2026, across five host cities—Kolkata, Ranchi, Guwahati, Shillong and Imphal. The 135th edition will feature 24 teams, including one foreign side representing the Sri Lankan Armed Forces, competing across 43 matches at six venues.