The Kashmir Dialogues
Today at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, Hon’ble President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, unveiled and flagged off the trophies of the 134th Durand Cup 2025.
The prestigious event, organised annually by the Indian Army as a hallmark of national integration and sports promotion, takes on added significance this year with the addition of Shillong and Imphal as host cities for the first time ever.
In her remarks, the President noted that “sports promote discipline, determination and team spirit” and have “the unique power to connect people, regions and countries,” lauding football as a special passion that binds millions across India, even as the tricolour flies high at global events like the Olympics.
The Indian Army, through the Eastern Command and in partnership with the Durand Football Tournament Society and AIFF, has stewarded the Cup since its inception in 1888. This long-standing association, rooted in the Army’s tradition of fostering healthy competition among regiments, exemplifies how sports serve as a powerful instrument of unity and integration.
Key Highlights of Durand Cup 2025:
• Historic expansion to the Northeast: For the first time in its 134-year legacy, the Cup will be hosted in Shillong (Meghalaya) and Imphal (Manipur), alongside the traditional venues of Kolkata (West Bengal), Kokrajhar (Assam), and Jamshedpur (Jharkhand)  .
• Tournament schedule: Running from 22 July to 23 August 2025, the multi-city format will engage 24 teams, including all Indian Super League clubs, I-League sides, and Armed Forces contingents .
• Platform for emerging talent: The Durand Cup remains the season curtain-raiser for Indian football, offering young players a national-stage showcase and contributing to the sport’s grassroots development.
Through its annual organisation of this iconic tournament, the Indian Army continues to reinforce the values of teamwork, resilience, and regional unity, bridging communities across India.
About the Durand Cup & Indian Army’s Role:-
• Established in 1888 by Henry Mortimer Durand in Shimla, it is Asia’s oldest club football tournament .
• Originally conceived for military teams, the Durand Cup today integrates civilian and services teams, maintaining Army teams as enduring guest invitees .
• Since relocating to the eastern region in 2019, the Indian Army, in collaboration with state governments, has successfully elevated the tournament’s national presence and visibility .
Tournament Calendar & Venues
• 22 July: Tournament kickoff in Kolkata.
• Subsequent group matches: Kokrajhar, Jamshedpur, Shillong, Imphal.
• 23 August: Grand final in Kolkata, to be broadcast live on Sony Sports Network and streamed on SonyLIV.
