Durand Cup 135th edition trophy tour kicks off in Guwahati
Synopsis
Asia's oldest football tournament is back — and it's starting in the Northeast. The 135th Indian Oil Durand Cup trophy tour launched in Guwahati on 16 July, with Army generals and Assam's Sports Minister on hand for the unveiling. The trophies will travel to IIT Guwahati, the Lachit Borphukan statue, and City Centre Mall before the tournament kicks off, signalling the region's deepening bond with Indian football's most storied competition.
Key Takeaways
The 135th Indian Oil Durand Cup trophy tour launched in Guwahati on 16 July 2025 .
Three historic trophies were unveiled at a ceremonial function attended by Sports Minister Biswajit Daimary and senior Indian Army officers.
Trophies will be displayed at the New Legislative Assembly Building , Lachit Borphukan statue , IIT Guwahati , and City Centre Mall over two days.
Major General Amit Dhir called Assam and the Northeast the heartland of Indian football.
The Durand Cup is recognised as Asia's oldest and India's most prestigious football competition.
The countdown to the 135th Indian Oil Durand Cup got underway in Guwahati on Thursday, 16 July, as the tournament's three historic trophies arrived in Assam, formally launching the trophy tour ahead of Asia's oldest football competition. The ceremonial unveiling signals the beginning of what organisers describe as a landmark edition of India's most prestigious football tournament.
Ceremony and Key Attendees
The trophies were unveiled at a ceremonial function held at a prominent hotel in Guwahati, attended by Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Biswajit Daimary, senior Indian Army officials, state government representatives, and noted footballer Parthib Sundar Gogoi. The event brought together civil and military leadership in a show of joint commitment to the sport.
Senior Army officers present included Major General Dinesh Kumar Singh, General Officer Commanding of Bengal Sub Area, and Major General Amit Dhir, Chief of Staff of Gajraj Corps, along with senior officials from the Sports and Youth Welfare Department.
What Officials Said
Major General Amit Dhir described Assam and the Northeast as the heartland of Indian football, stating that hosting the Durand Cup in the region reflects its rich footballing legacy and passionate fan base. Major General Dinesh Kumar Singh lauded the coordinated efforts of the Army and civil administration in organising the tournament, reiterating the Armed Forces' commitment to promoting football and nurturing young sporting talent in the region.
Sports Minister Biswajit Daimary emphasised football's special place in Assam's sporting culture and thanked the Indian Army for consistently bringing the prestigious tournament to the state, strengthening football infrastructure and expanding opportunities for local players. Footballer Parthib Sundar Gogoi urged supporters to turn out in large numbers and encouraged young players to draw inspiration from the historic competition.
Trophy Tour Itinerary
Following the flag-off ceremony, the trophies are scheduled to be displayed across prominent Guwahati landmarks over the next two days. Venues include the New Legislative Assembly Building, the statue of Lachit Borphukan, IIT Guwahati, and City Centre Mall, giving football fans across the city a chance to view the silverware ahead of the tournament.
Northeast's Footballing Significance
The trophy tour underscores Assam's growing stature as a major football destination and highlights the Northeast's enduring contribution to Indian football. This comes amid rising interest in club football across the region, with several Northeast-based clubs having made significant marks in national competitions in recent years. The Durand Cup, now in its 135th edition, remains a key platform for unearthing talent from the region.
With the trophy tour set to build excitement across the state, all eyes will turn to the full schedule and venue announcements as the tournament date approaches.
Point of View
The Durand Cup remains the tournament where regional identity and footballing passion intersect most visibly. Assam's repeated hosting is not incidental; it is a strategic signal that the Northeast's fan base and talent pipeline are too significant to sideline. The real question is whether the infrastructure investment follows the trophy tour — or whether the silverware moves on while the grassroots gaps remain.
NationPress
16 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Indian Oil Durand Cup?
The Indian Oil Durand Cup is Asia's oldest football tournament and India's most prestigious club football competition, now in its 135th edition. It is organised by the Indian Army and has historically served as a key platform for discovering and promoting football talent across the country.
Where did the Durand Cup 135th edition trophy tour begin?
The trophy tour for the 135th Indian Oil Durand Cup began in Guwahati, Assam, on 16 July 2025. The three historic trophies were unveiled at a ceremonial function attended by Army officials and the state's Sports Minister.
Where will the Durand Cup trophies be displayed in Guwahati?
Over two days, the trophies will be on public display at the New Legislative Assembly Building, the statue of Lachit Borphukan, IIT Guwahati, and City Centre Mall, allowing fans across the city to view the silverware ahead of the tournament.
Who attended the Durand Cup trophy unveiling ceremony in Guwahati?
The ceremony was attended by Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Biswajit Daimary, Major General Dinesh Kumar Singh (GOC, Bengal Sub Area), Major General Amit Dhir (Chief of Staff, Gajraj Corps), state government officials, and footballer Parthib Sundar Gogoi.
Why is the Northeast significant for the Durand Cup?
Army officials and football administrators have consistently highlighted the Northeast, particularly Assam, as the heartland of Indian football, citing its passionate fan base, strong footballing culture, and the region's track record of producing national-level talent. Hosting the Durand Cup there is seen as both a recognition of that legacy and an effort to strengthen local football infrastructure.
