President Unveils Durand Cup Trophies

President Droupadi Murmu unveiled the trophies of the Durand Cup Tournament 2026 at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre on Tuesday. The President congratulated all past and present officials and players associated with the Durand Cup, stating that the tournament has provided a platform to numerous talented players.

The President expressed confidence that the inclusion of new teams, including a team from Sri Lanka, would make this historic competition even more popular. She conveyed her best wishes to all participating teams and players for stellar performances.

The President highlighted the role of football in bringing people together and inspiring sports enthusiasts everywhere. She noted that football is one of the most popular sports in the world, exemplifying excellence, unity, and sportsmanship.

The Durand Cup Organising Committee announced the fixtures of the 135th edition of the tournament on July 3. The Indian Oil Durand Cup will commence with a match between record 17-time champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant and 16-time winners East Bengal FC in Kolkata on July 25. The tournament will feature 24 teams across six groups and five host cities, and will continue till August 23.

The President expressed hope that the tournament would play a significant role in nurturing football talent in India, which still has a long journey ahead to establish a presence on the global football stage. The matches will be telecast live on the Sony Sports Network, with live streaming available on the SonyLIV app.

The Durand Cup Tournament 2026 is expected to be a significant event in the Indian football calendar, with the participation of leading clubs, services teams, emerging football institutions, and international teams. The tournament will provide a platform for talented players to showcase their skills and compete at a high level.

The President's unveiling of the trophies marks the beginning of an exciting period for Indian football, with the tournament set to kick off on July 25. With the inclusion of new teams and the participation of top Indian clubs, the Durand Cup Tournament 2026 is expected to be a thrilling and competitive event.

In conclusion, the President's unveiling of the Durand Cup trophies is a significant event that highlights the importance of football in India. The tournament is expected to play a major role in nurturing football talent and providing a platform for talented players to compete at a high level.