- President Droupadi Murmu unveiled and ceremonially flagged off the Durand Cup 2026 trophies in New Delhi, marking the beginning of the prestigious football tournament.
- During the ceremony, the President unveiled the Durand Cup Trophy, President’s Cup, and Shimla Trophy, symbolizing the rich heritage of India’s oldest football competition.
New Teams to Add Excitement
- President Murmu expressed happiness that several new teams will participate in this year’s edition.
- She particularly welcomed the participation of a Sri Lankan football team, noting that its inclusion would further strengthen regional sporting ties and enhance the popularity of the tournament.
Durand Cup Expands to Ranchi
- President Murmu also welcomed the addition of Ranchi as a host city alongside Kolkata, Guwahati, Imphal, and Shillong, saying that expanding the tournament to new venues would help spread football culture and encourage greater public participation.
Senior Defence Leadership Present
The ceremony was attended by several senior defence officials, including:
- Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan
- Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth
- Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan
Their presence highlighted the historic connection between the Indian Armed Forces and the Durand Cup.
Key Highlights
- Durand Cup Trophy, President’s Cup and Shimla Trophy flagged off.
- Sri Lankan team joins the tournament.
- Ranchi added as a new host city.
- Focus on sportsmanship, unity and youth development.
Key Facts about the Durand Cup 2026
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Edition | 135th (IndianOil Durand Cup 2026) |
| Dates | 25 July – 23 August 2026 |
| Organisers | Durand Football Tournament Society (DFTS) & AIFF, with Indian Army Eastern Command |
| Host Cities | Kolkata (Vivekananda Yuba Bharati & Kishore Bharati Stadiums), Ranchi (Birsa Munda Stadium), Guwahati (Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium), Imphal (Khuman Lampak Stadium), Shillong (Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium) |
| Teams | 24 teams – ISL clubs, I‑League sides, Services teams & two foreign entries (Sri Lanka Armed Forces and Nongkseh SS&CC from Meghalaya State League) |
| Defending Champion | NorthEast United FC (won 2025 final vs Diamond Harbour FC) |
| Most Titles | Mohun Bagan – 17 titles |
| Broadcast | Sony Sports Network & SonyLIV streaming |
| Motto | “Many Champions. One Legacy.” |
Conclusion:
The ceremonial unveiling of the Durand Cup 2026 trophies by President Droupadi Murmu marks the official beginning of another exciting edition of India’s oldest football tournament.
With new teams, additional host cities, and growing international participation, the competition is expected to play an important role in promoting football and nurturing the next generation of Indian talent.