Kolkata, July 22 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Durand Cup remains one of the most cherished sporting commitments and a shining example of military‑civil partnership at its very best, Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, Chief of Staff, Eastern Command and chairman of the Durand Cup Organising Committee, said on Wednesday after the three trophies reached Kolkata following their journey across all five host states.
“Since 2019, Kolkata has proudly served as the tournament’s principal host city, where football is not merely a sport but a way of life. This partnership continues to strengthen the legacy of India’s oldest football tournament,” he said.
Major General Dinesh Kumar Singh, General Officer Commanding, Bengal Sub Area and vice chairman of the Durand Cup Organising Committee, said extension of the tournament under the aegis of the Eastern Command until 2032 was a matter of pride. He added that it reflected the tremendous support the tournament had received and the remarkable growth it had witnessed over the years.
The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup – the oldest football tournament in Asia – will get underway on July 25 with the iconic Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
Group A comprises record 17‑time champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant, 16‑time winners East Bengal FC, South United FC and CISF Protectors. Group B brings together Mohammedan SC, Indian Army Football Team, Durand Cup debutants Baghpat FC and Samaleswari Sporting.
Alongside the group stage, Kolkata will also host a quarter‑final, a semi‑final and the final on August 23.
The three trophies arrived from Ranchi in Jharkhand and were showcased in the city during the day.
Indranil Khan, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Department of Youth Services and Sports and Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of West Bengal, said the tournament was a matter of pride for all football lovers in the state. He appealed to fans to fill the stadiums from the opening match to the final, saying there was no greater encouragement for players than the unwavering support of passionate fans.
The completion of the Trophy Tour signals the beginning of the final countdown to the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup. Over the past two weeks, the tournament’s three historic trophies travelled through all five host states, connecting with football enthusiasts and local communities while building excitement for the forthcoming edition.
Rajesh Pandey, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Youth Services & Sports and Department of Cooperation, Government of West Bengal, said the legacy of the Durand Cup was remarkable and few sporting events in India could claim such a distinguished heritage. He added that the government was proud to support the Indian Army in ensuring another successful edition of the historic tournament.
Organised by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army on behalf of the three services and with the support of the respective host state governments, the Durand Cup is the world’s third‑oldest surviving football competition. Established in 1888, it continues to occupy a unique place in Indian football by bringing together the country’s leading clubs, Services teams and international participation on one platform.
This year, the tournament will be played in Kolkata, Ranchi, Guwahati, Shillong and Imphal. The 135th edition will feature 24 teams, including one foreign side representing the Sri Lankan armed forces.
Source: IANS
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