Kolkata: The trophy tour for the 135th edition of the Durand Cup concluded in Kolkata, marking the final countdown to the start of Asia’s oldest football tournament. The competition is set to kick off on July 25 with the iconic Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC, renewing one of Indian football’s greatest rivalries.
The opening fixture is expected to draw thousands of passionate supporters as Kolkata, long regarded as the heart of Indian football, prepares to host several of the tournament’s marquee matches. The city’s rich football heritage once again places it at the centre of one of the country’s most prestigious sporting events.
West Bengal Minister Indranil Khan said the arrival of the Durand Cup shifts the focus of football enthusiasts from international competitions to the domestic game. He noted that while fans in the state closely follow global football and support nations such as Argentina, Brazil, Spain and Portugal, attention has now turned to India’s oldest and most celebrated football championship.
The minister also acknowledged the efforts of the Indian Army and the Government of India in selecting Kolkata and West Bengal as key venues for the tournament. He said hosting the Durand Cup would further strengthen the state’s deep connection with football while providing a major platform for the growth and promotion of the sport across the country.
Major General Dinesh Kumar Singh said the tournament trophy was unveiled earlier by the President of India before embarking on its nationwide promotional tour. He confirmed that the competition will run from July 25 to August 23, featuring nearly a month of league-stage and knockout matches before culminating in the championship final.
The 2026 edition will feature 24 teams, divided into six groups, bringing together top Indian clubs, Services teams, emerging football institutions and international participants. The tournament aims to provide a competitive platform while showcasing the growing standard of football in the region.
Matches will be played across Kolkata, Ranchi, Imphal, Shillong and Guwahati, extending the reach of the historic competition to football-loving audiences across eastern and northeastern India. Organisers believe the multi-city format will help strengthen fan engagement while celebrating the sport’s enduring popularity.
Since becoming the permanent home of the Durand Cup in 2019, Kolkata has remained the tournament’s principal venue. This year’s schedule will see the city host Group A and Group B fixtures, the opening match, two quarter-finals, the first semi-final and the grand final.
With the trophy tour now complete and participating teams finalising their preparations, anticipation is building for another memorable edition of the Durand Cup, a tournament that continues to honour India’s footballing legacy while embracing the future of the game.
