The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup Trophy Tour arrived in Shillong on 11 July 2026, with Wailadmiki Shylla, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, formally receiving the tournament's three iconic trophies — the Durand Cup, the President's Cup, and the Simla Trophy. The trophies had been flagged off earlier this month by President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in New Delhi, marking the beginning of a multi-city tour ahead of the tournament's 25 July start.

A Ceremony Rooted in Football Heritage

The welcome ceremony in Shillong brought together senior civil and military dignitaries, including Lieutenant General Mohit Wadhwa SM, General Officer Commanding, 101 Area; Air Marshal Devendra P. Hirani YSM VSM, Senior Air Staff Officer, Eastern Air Command; and Major General D.K. Singh SM VSM, General Officer Commanding, Bengal Sub Area and Vice Chairman of the Durand Cup Organising Committee. Also present were Major General Jai Singh Bainsla SM, Additional Director General, Assam Rifles; Isawanda Laloo IAS, Secretary, Sports and Youth Affairs, Meghalaya; Idashisha Nongrang IPS, Director General of Police, Meghalaya; John F. Kharshiing, Working President, Meghalaya State Olympic Association; and Hamletson Dohling, President, Meghalaya Football Association.

The programme featured a presentation on the Durand Cup's legacy, a special screening of the President's flag-off ceremony, a choir performance by the 15-member Khmih Creative Society, a ceremonial showcase of all three trophies, and an exchange of mementoes between dignitaries.

What the Minister and Army Commander Said

Addressing the gathering, Minister Wailadmiki Shylla underscored football's place at the centre of Meghalayan identity. 'Football is not merely a game in Meghalaya; it is part of our identity. It unites communities, inspires our youth, and brings immense pride to our State,' he said. Shylla added that Meghalaya was grateful to the Indian Armed Forces for allowing the state to host the Durand Cup for the third consecutive year, and expressed hope that Shillong would one day host the tournament's final.

Lieutenant General Mohit Wadhwa echoed that sentiment, drawing a distinction between cities that host football and those that live it. 'Shillong proudly belongs to the latter,' he said, noting that the passion and knowledge of Shillong's fans 'create an atmosphere admired throughout India's football fraternity.'

Shillong's Role in the 135th Edition

Shillong will host Group E fixtures featuring Mumbay FC, Shillong Lajong FC, Langsning FC, and Nongkseh SS&CC. The city is scheduled to stage eight matches in total, including a quarter-final and a semi-final, reinforcing its standing as one of the tournament's principal host centres. Following the ceremony, the Trophy Convoy toured prominent Shillong landmarks — including Camel Back Road, Shillong Peak, Laitumkhrah, and Khyndailad — before concluding at the Chief Minister Football Fan Park at the SRGT Ground, Polo.

Trophy Tour Next Stops and Tournament Schedule

After completing its circuit through Shillong, Jowai, and Tura, the Trophy Tour's next destination is Imphal, where the trophies will be on display on 15 July. The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup runs from 25 July to 23 August 2026 across five host cities — Kolkata, Shillong, Imphal, Guwahati, and Ranchi. Ranchi makes its debut as a host venue in the tournament's 138-year history.

The tournament will feature 24 teams — including a side representing the Sri Lankan Armed Forces — competing across 43 matches at six venues. The opening fixture is the Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on 25 July, with the final at the same venue on 23 August. Organised by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army on behalf of the three Services, the Durand Cup — established in 1888 — is the world's third-oldest surviving football competition.