Kolkata: The 135th Durand Cup commenced in grand fashion at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Saturday, with a spectacular opening ceremony celebrating India’s rich cultural diversity, the martial traditions of the Indian Armed Forces and the vibrant artistic heritage of West Bengal before the tournament got underway with the iconic Kolkata Derby between East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
The opening ceremony was graced 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; Shri Tapas Roy, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Department of Industry, Government of West Bengal; Lieutenant General V. M. B. Krishnan, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command and Patron, Durand Cup Organising Committee; Shri Avanindra Singh, IAS, Secretary, Department of Youth Services and Sports, Government of West Bengal; Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Eastern Command and Chairman, Durand Cup Organising Committee; Major General Dinesh Kumar Singh, SM, VSM, General Officer Commanding, Bengal Sub Area and Vice Chairman, Durand Cup Organising Committee; Major General Rupesh Sehgal, VSM, General Officer Commanding, Combat IBG 122; Shri Kalyan Chaubey, President, All India Football Federation; along with senior civil and military officials, representatives of participating clubs, sponsors, partners and members of the football fraternity.
The ceremony commenced with a tribute to the martial traditions of the Indian Armed Forces, featuring performances of the Khukri Dance, Gatka, Seraikella Chhau, Kalaripayattu, Jhanjh Pathak, and demonstrations of Krav Maga and the North-East Warriors.
The cultural celebrations continued with a specially curated presentation by the Government of West Bengal featuring Rabindrasangeet, compositions of Dwijendralal Ray, Baul music, Srikhol, tribal dances accompanied by the Dhamsa and Madol, Purulia Chhau depicting Mahisasur Mardini, an all-women Dhak ensemble heralding the approach of Durga Puja, and a grand cultural fusion celebrating India’s unity in diversity.
One of the highlights of the evening was the ceremonial Trophy Drill, showcasing the three iconic trophies awarded to the champions of the Durand Cup—the Durand Cup, the President’s Cup and the Simla Trophy. A special audio-visual presentation then traced the remarkable 138-year journey of Asia’s oldest football tournament, celebrating its enduring legacy and contribution to Indian football.
The official match ball was ceremonially brought onto the field before the Eastern Command Flag, the Durand Cup Flag and the AIFF Fair Play Flag were marched onto the pitch, reaffirming the values of excellence, discipline and sportsmanship that define the competition.
Following the ceremonial entry of the match officials and the two teams, the players were accompanied onto the field by children, including differently abled students from ASHA School run by Eastern Command, children from the Barrackpur Avenue Women’s Cultural and Social Welfare Society, and children of serving soldiers, highlighting the Indian Army’s commitment to inclusivity and community engagement.
The dignitaries were then introduced to the players and officials during a ceremonial meet-and-greet before Army helicopters performed a ceremonial flypast over the stadium, carrying the National Flag and the Durand Cup Flag in a spectacular aerial salute to the opening of the tournament.
The opening ceremony culminated with 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, officially declaring the 135th Durand Cup open and performing the ceremonial kick-off alongside the participating teams and match officials. The ceremony concluded with an official group photograph featuring the participating teams, dignitaries and the tournament’s three iconic trophies—the Durand Cup, the President’s Cup and the Simla Trophy—before East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant renewed one of Indian football’s greatest rivalries in the tournament-opening Kolkata Derby.
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.
Durand Cup 2026 will be played across five host cities—Kolkata, Ranchi, Guwahati, Shillong and Imphal. The tournament features 24 teams, including one foreign side representing the Sri Lankan Armed Forces, competing across 43 matches at six venues till August 23.
