The iconic Durand Cup trophies reached Kolkata ahead of the 135th Durand Cup, with organisers unveiling simplified ticketing, expansion plans and a vision for the tournament’s future.
Kolkata, July 22: The historic 135th edition of the Durand Cup is just days away from kick-off, and the iconic trophies, the Durand Cup, the President’s Cup and the Simla Trophy, arrived in Kolkata, the home of Indian football. On Wednesday evening, the trophies were unveiled during an official press conference at Fort William( AOI Vijay Durg) in the presence of organisers, ministers and distinguished guests, where several key details about the new edition of the tournament were announced.
With two of the most successful teams in the tournament’s history, Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal FC, set to renew Asia’s oldest football rivalry, in the Asia’s oldest tournament, with kick off on Saturday at 5:30 PM with the Kolkata Derby.
Another Kolkata giant, Mohammedan SC, who created history by becoming the first club from undivided India to win the Durand Cup, will begin their campaign the following day. The tournament will conclude with the final at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
The official press conference was attended by Dr. Indranil Khan, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Department of Youth Services and Sports and Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of West Bengal, as the Chief Guest. He was joined by Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Eastern Command and Chairman of the Durand Cup Organising Committee, Shri Rajesh Pandey, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of West Bengal, and Major General Dinesh Kumar Singh, Vice Chairman of the Durand Cup Organising Committee. The event also witnessed the presence of senior civil and military officials, representatives of participating clubs, sponsors, partners and members of the Indian football fraternity.
What is suffering from last few years, the tickets issue. Fans are the backbone of the Durand Cup, and keeping their matchday experience simple remains a key priority. Speaking on the ticketing system, Dr. Indranil Khan, Hon’ble Minister of State, Department of Youth Services and Sports and Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of West Bengal, said supporters who book their tickets online will be able to enter the stadium directly without any additional paperwork or stamping. The initiative is aimed at ensuring a smoother, quicker and more convenient entry process for fans.
Alongside several fan-friendly initiatives, the organisers also outlined the tournament’s broader vision for the future. Ranchi joins the list of host cities for this edition, and few new cities are in list for the upcoming edition, several new teams will feature alongside many of India’s biggest clubs. The organisers also highlighted their focus on helping young footballers by giving them a bigger platform to showcase their talent. They also shared plans to introduce a women’s edition of the Durand Cup in the future. With more teams, a new host city and several new initiatives, the 135th edition is set to be one of the biggest in the tournament’s history.
With a rich legacy spanning more than a century, the Durand Cup continues to honour its heritage while embracing change. As the 135th edition gets underway, the tournament once again brings together history, tradition and the future of Indian football, promising another memorable chapter in Asia’s oldest football competition.
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