Sahal strikes first in Durand Cup 2026 opener

Sahal Abdul Samad of Mohun Bagan Super Giant celebrates a goal in the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup 2026 inaugural match against East Bengal FC at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata, on 25 July 2026.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad wheels away in celebration after finding the net in the Durand Cup 2026 inaugural fixture against East Bengal FC at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata, on 25 July 2026.

Sahal Abdul Samad put Mohun Bagan Super Giant on the scoreboard during the IndianOil Durand Cup 2026 opening game versus East Bengal FC at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on 25 July 2026, the tournament's first goal of the edition.

A jubilant Sahal Abdul Samad marks his goal for Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the 135th Durand Cup opener at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata, on 25 July 2026 — the iconic Kolkata derby doubling as the tournament's curtain-raiser.

Players of Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC contest the ball during the IndianOil Durand Cup 2026 inaugural match at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata, on 25 July 2026, as the historic Kolkata derby opened the 135th edition.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC players vie for possession in the Durand Cup 2026 opening fixture at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on 25 July 2026, with the Kolkata derby serving as the showpiece curtain-raiser.

West Bengal Sports Minister Indranil Khan and state minister Tapas Roy attend the formal inauguration of the IndianOil Durand Cup 2026 at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata, on 25 July 2026, marking the official launch of Asia's oldest football tournament.

West Bengal Sports Minister Indranil Khan and state minister Tapas Roy were present at the inauguration of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on 25 July 2026, underscoring the state government's support for the tournament.

Artists stage cultural performances during the inauguration ceremony of the IndianOil Durand Cup 2026 at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata, on 25 July 2026, entertaining the crowd ahead of the opening derby between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal.

Cultural artists entertain the packed stands at Salt Lake Stadium during the Durand Cup 2026 opening ceremony in Kolkata on 25 July 2026, setting the stage for the marquee Kolkata derby that followed.

Performing artists take centre stage at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata during the inaugural ceremony of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup on 25 July 2026, drawing applause from fans gathered for the historic Kolkata derby opener.

Performers take part in the inauguration of the IndianOil Durand Cup 2026 at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata, on 25 July 2026, as the tournament's 135th edition gets under way with the iconic Kolkata derby as its opening fixture.

Stage performers entertain the crowd at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata as the IndianOil Durand Cup 2026 is officially inaugurated on 25 July 2026, kicking off Asia's oldest football tournament for its 135th edition.

The inauguration of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata, on 25 July 2026 featured vibrant stage performances, setting a festive tone before the Mohun Bagan–East Bengal derby got under way.

A colourful inauguration ceremony featuring live performers marked the start of the IndianOil Durand Cup 2026 at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata, on 25 July 2026, ahead of the high-voltage Kolkata derby between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal.

The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup was officially launched at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on 25 July 2026 with a grand ceremony featuring stage performers, before the tournament's opening match between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC commenced.