President Murmu unveils Durand Cup 2025 trophy

New Delhi

President Droupadi Murmu unveiled the Durand Cup 2025 trophies at a big ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre on Friday. She also flagged off the trophies to start their journey to different venues.

The President said sports teach discipline, determination, and team spirit. She noted that sports bring people, regions, and countries together. In India, sports play an important role in national unity. Everyone feels proud when the Indian flag flies high at big sports events.

She highlighted that football holds a special place in many hearts. It is not just a game but a passion that teaches strategy and teamwork. The Durand Cup helps young players develop their skills and offers them a stage to shine. She praised the Armed Forces for keeping the Durand Cup tradition alive.

The Durand Cup 2025, Asia’s oldest football event, will be held from July 15 to August 23 across six venues in five states: West Bengal, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Jharkhand. Kokrajhar in Assam will host the matches for the third year in a row. Jamshedpur and Shillong joined as hosts last year.

Since moving to Kolkata in 2019, the Durand Cup has become India’s top football tournament. The number of teams grew from 16 to 24, including all Indian Super League clubs.

The Indian Army’s Eastern Command organizes this event, mixing Service teams and club teams. Matches will take place in Kolkata, Jharkhand, Imphal, Shillong, and Kokrajhar. NorthEast United FC are the defending champions. The final list of teams will be shared soon.