The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup — the oldest football tournament in Asia and the world's third-oldest surviving football competition — will get underway on 25 July with the iconic Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. The announcement came on Wednesday, 22 July, as the tournament's three historic trophies arrived in Kolkata after completing a journey through all five host states.

Trophy Tour Concludes in Kolkata

Over the past two weeks, the three Durand Cup trophies travelled through all five host states — West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, Meghalaya, and Manipur — connecting with football communities and building anticipation for the 135th edition. The trophies arrived in Kolkata from Ranchi, Jharkhand, and were showcased across the city on Wednesday.

Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, Chief of Staff, Eastern Command and Chairman of the Durand Cup Organising Committee, described the tournament as 'one of the most cherished sporting commitments and a shining example of military-civil partnership at its very best.' He noted that since 2019, Kolkata has served as the tournament's principal host city, where 'football is not merely a sport but a way of life.'

Groups, Teams and Format

Group A features record 17-time champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant, 16-time winners East Bengal FC, South United FC, and CISF Protectors. Group B brings together Mohammedan SC, the Indian Army Football Team, Durand Cup debutants Baghpat FC, and Samaleswari Sporting.

The 135th edition will feature 24 teams in total, including one foreign side representing the Sri Lankan armed forces — marking an international dimension to the competition. Matches will be played across Kolkata, Ranchi, Guwahati, Shillong, and Imphal. Kolkata will additionally host a quarter-final, a semi-final, and the final on 23 August.

Eastern Command's Role and Extended Mandate

Major General Dinesh Kumar Singh, General Officer Commanding, Bengal Sub Area and Vice Chairman of the Durand Cup Organising Committee, said the extension of the tournament under the aegis of the Eastern Command until 2032 was 'a matter of pride,' reflecting the remarkable growth and support the competition had witnessed over the years.

Organised by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army on behalf of the three services and with the support of respective host state governments, the Durand Cup was established in 1888 and continues to bring together India's leading clubs, Services teams, and international participants on a single platform.

State Government's Support

Indranil Khan, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Department of Youth Services and Sports and Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of West Bengal, called the tournament a matter of pride for all football lovers in the state. He appealed to fans to fill the stadiums from the opening match through to the final, saying there was 'no greater encouragement for players than the unwavering support of passionate fans.'

Rajesh Pandey, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Youth Services and Sports and Department of Cooperation, Government of West Bengal, said few sporting events in India could claim such a distinguished heritage. He added that the state government was proud to support the Indian Army in delivering another successful edition of the historic tournament.

What to Watch

The opening Kolkata Derby on 25 July at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan is expected to draw a packed house, with both clubs carrying fierce local rivalries and combined Durand Cup title tallies of 33. With the Sri Lankan armed forces side marking the tournament's international reach and two debutants in the draw, the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup shapes up as one of the most expansive editions in recent memory.