New Delhi [India], July 4: President of India Droupadi Murmu officially unveiled and flagged off the trophies of the 134th Durand Cup 2025 during a ceremonial event at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre on Friday, as per an official release.
In her address, the President emphasized the transformative power of sports, highlighting how it fosters discipline, team spirit, and national integration. She added, “Sports connect people, regions, and nations. The joy of seeing the tricolour rise at international sporting events unites every Indian.”
Durand Cup: Legacy and Future
Describing football as a game of passion, strategy, and teamwork, President Murmu noted that tournaments like the Durand Cup play a crucial role in nurturing young talent and promoting the sport. She lauded the Armed Forces for their continued efforts in preserving the tournament’s legacy.
Durand Cup 2025: Multi-State Format & Venues
Set to begin on July 22 and conclude on August 23, the Durand Cup 2025 will be played across six venues in five Indian states, marking the most extensive geographic spread in the tournament’s history.
Hosting Cities and Stadiums Include:
- Kolkata, West Bengal: Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan & Kishore Bharati Krirangan
- Imphal, Manipur: Khuman Lampak Stadium (returns after 2 years)
- Shillong, Meghalaya: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
- Kokrajhar, Assam: SAI Stadium (3rd consecutive year as host)
- Ranchi or Jamshedpur, Jharkhand: Morhabadi Stadium or JRD Tata Sports Complex
The historic tournament shifted its base from Delhi to Kolkata in 2019, continuing as the spiritual home of Indian football for the sixth consecutive edition.
Defending Champions and Outlook
NorthEast United FC, the current defending champions, clinched their maiden Durand Cup title last year by defeating Mohun Bagan, the club with the most titles, in a thrilling final.
As anticipation builds, the 134th edition of Asia’s oldest football tournament is expected to further elevate Indian football and spotlight emerging talent from across the country.