Kolkata: Kolkata, July 22, 2026: The Trophy Tour of the 135th 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, “QUOTE.”
The ceremony featured a presentation tracing the rich history of the Durand Cup, beginning with the ceremonial unveiling of the tournament’s three iconic trophies at Rashtrapati Bhavan earlier this month before showcasing their journey across the five host states. The Durand Cup, President’s Cup and Simla Trophy were then ceremonially displayed, bringing the nationwide Trophy Tour to a fitting conclusion in Kolkata, the home of the tournament since its revival in 2019.
Also addressing the gathering, Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Eastern Command and Chairman, Durand Cup Organising Committee, said, “QUOTE.”
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, “QUOTE.”
As the home of the Durand Cup since 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, “QUOTE.”
The 135th 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 stage 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 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.
