Did President Droupadi Murmu Unveil the Durand Cup 2025 Trophy?

New Delhi, July 4 (NationPress) President Droupadi Murmu officially unveiled and launched the trophies for the Durand Cup 2025 during a spectacular ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre on Friday.

In her concise address at the event, the President emphasized that sports cultivate discipline, determination, and team spirit. Sports possess an unparalleled ability to unite individuals, regions, and nations. In India, it has emerged as a significant instrument for national integration. Citizens across the country share a collective excitement whenever the tricolour is raised at the Olympics or other international competitions.

The President noted that football holds a cherished place in the hearts of countless fans. It transcends mere gameplay; it embodies a passion. The essence of football revolves around strategy, endurance, and collaboration towards achieving a shared objective. Events like the Durand Cup not only enhance the spirit of the game but also nurture the upcoming generation of football talent by offering them a platform for development. She acknowledged the vital role of the Armed Forces in preserving and promoting the essence of the Durand Cup.

“Events like the Durand Cup foster the spirit of the game and help develop the next generation of football players, providing them with a platform to grow,” shared the official X account of the President.

The 2025 edition of the Durand Cup, recognized as Asia’s oldest football tournament, is set to take place at six venues across five states - West Bengal, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Jharkhand - from July 15 to August 23.

Kokrajhar in Assam will host the Durand Cup for the third consecutive year, while Jamshedpur in Jharkhand and Shillong in Meghalaya joined the hosting roster last year. The century-old tournament transitioned its base from New Delhi to Kolkata in 2019 and will continue to do so for the sixth consecutive edition.

Since relocating to the East, the Durand Cup has reaffirmed its status as the nation’s premier competition, expanding from 16 to 24 teams, which now includes participation from all Indian Super League (ISL) teams.

Organized by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army on behalf of the three Services, this tournament is distinctive as it pits Service teams against India’s top football clubs and has recently welcomed foreign teams, including Army squads from neighboring nations.

Matches will unfold at venues including Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan and Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, JRD Tata Sports Complex or Morabadi Stadium in Jharkhand, Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal, Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, and SAI Stadium in Kokrajhar.

NorthEast United FC enters the tournament as the defending champions, having claimed their first title last year by overcoming Mohun Bagan Super Giant. The complete list of participating teams and groupings is anticipated to be announced later this week.