Kolkata Ready for Durand Cup 2026 as Trophy Tour Ends Ahead of Historic 135th Edition

The stage is set for the 135th edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup after the tournament's nationwide trophy tour concluded in Kolkata on Wednesday. 

With just days remaining before the opening whistle on July 25, the City of Joy welcomed the competition's three iconic trophies, signalling the beginning of the final countdown to Asia's oldest football tournament.

Having travelled across all five host states, the Durand Cup Trophy, the President's Cup, and the Simla Trophy reached Kolkata, where a ceremonial function and press conference were held at AOI Vijay Durg. The event celebrated not only the conclusion of the Trophy Tour but also Kolkata's central role in hosting the prestigious tournament, which will culminate with the final on August 23.

The 2026 edition promises another exciting chapter in Indian football, bringing together 24 teams from across the country, including one overseas side representing the Sri Lankan Armed Forces, who will compete across 43 matches in five host cities.

Since the Durand Cup's revival under the Eastern Command of the Indian Army in 2019, Kolkata has firmly established itself as the tournament's spiritual home. This year, the city will once again host the opening match, Groups A and B, one quarter-final, one semi-final, and the championship final, reaffirming its status as the heartbeat of Indian football.

The tournament will begin in fitting fashion with one of Asia's biggest football rivalries, the Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on July 25. The opening fixture is expected to attract a packed stadium, setting the tone for nearly a month of top-quality football.

Government Urges Fans to Back Indian Football

Addressing the gathering during the trophy ceremony, Dr. Indranil Khan, Hon'ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Department of Youth Services and Sports and Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of West Bengal, called upon football fans to rally behind Indian clubs throughout the tournament. He highlighted Kolkata's privilege of hosting 16 matches, including both the opening game and the final, describing it as a matter of immense pride for the state.

Referring to the recent FIFA Club World Cup, Dr Khan encouraged supporters to now turn their attention towards domestic football and provide the same passion and enthusiasm for Indian clubs and players. His appeal reflected the broader ambition of the Durand Cup to strengthen Indian football by attracting larger crowds and increasing public engagement.

The Indian Army continues to play a central role in organising the Durand Cup, one of the world's oldest surviving football competitions. Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Eastern Command and Chairman of the Durand Cup Organising Committee, described the tournament as one of the Army's most cherished sporting commitments.

He emphasised that the competition remains an outstanding example of military-civil cooperation, with the partnership between the Army and the Government of West Bengal helping elevate the tournament's stature over recent years. Football, he noted, is deeply woven into Kolkata's identity, making the city an ideal home for the historic competition.

The ceremony also featured audio-visual presentations celebrating the tournament's rich legacy, the ceremonial unveiling of the trophies at Rashtrapati Bhavan, and a special video message from actor John Abraham, who praised the enduring importance of the Durand Cup in Indian football.

The conclusion of the Trophy Tour marked the successful completion of a journey spanning all five host states. Over the past two weeks, the three historic trophies travelled through West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, Meghalaya and Manipur, connecting with local communities and football enthusiasts while generating excitement ahead of kick-off.

The initiative has become an important part of the tournament's identity, bringing the Durand Cup closer to supporters across the country rather than limiting celebrations to host venues alone.

By the time the trophies arrived in Kolkata from Ranchi, anticipation had reached its peak.

The growth of the Durand Cup has been one of Indian football's biggest success stories in recent years. Major General Dinesh Kumar Singh, General Officer Commanding, Bengal Sub Area and Vice Chairman of the Durand Cup Organising Committee, highlighted another important milestone during the ceremony.

He announced that the tournament will continue under the aegis of the Eastern Command until 2032, reflecting both its remarkable progress and the confidence shown by stakeholders in its long-term future. He also reiterated the organisers' commitment to expanding the tournament by introducing new venues, creating opportunities for young footballers and strengthening the overall ecosystem of Indian football.

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The 24 participating teams have been divided across multiple groups featuring some of the country's biggest clubs. Group A includes record 17-time champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant, 16-time winners East Bengal FC, South United FC, and CISF Protectors. Meanwhile, Group B features Mohammedan Sporting Club, the Indian Army Football Team, tournament debutants Baghpat FC, and Samaleswari Sporting.

Beyond Kolkata, matches will also be staged in Ranchi, Guwahati, Shillong and Imphal, ensuring football fans across eastern and northeastern India witness high-quality action.

Established in 1888, the Durand Cup remains the world's third-oldest surviving football tournament and Asia's oldest football competition. Organised by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army on behalf of the three Services, the tournament has evolved into one of India's premier football competitions while preserving its rich heritage.

Its unique format, featuring leading Indian clubs, Services teams and international participation, continues to distinguish it from every other domestic football competition in the country.

As the trophy tour concludes and the countdown reaches its final days, Kolkata once again prepares to embrace a tournament that has become an integral part of its sporting identity. With passionate supporters, iconic rivalries, emerging young talent and a month of high-quality football ahead, the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup is ready to write another memorable chapter in the long and distinguished history of Indian football.