The 135th edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup will be held from July 25 to August 23, with 24 teams, including two foreign sides, taking part in Asia’s oldest football tournament.
The competition will be staged across five host cities—Kolkata, Ranchi, Guwahati, Imphal and Shillong—with matches played at six venues. Ranchi will host Durand Cup matches for the first time.
Kolkata will stage fixtures at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan and Kishore Bharati Krirangan. The remaining venues are Birsa Munda Stadium in Ranchi, Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.
Now in its 135th edition, the Durand Cup remains one of the oldest football competitions in the world. Established in 1888, it is recognised as Asia’s oldest football tournament and the world’s third-oldest surviving football competition.
One of the tournament’s enduring traditions is its three-trophy system. The champions receive the iconic Durand Cup and the Shimla Trophy, both of which are rolling trophies that are returned for the following edition, while the President’s Cup is awarded to the winning team for permanent retention. The unique trophy tradition has remained one of the defining features of the competition since its inception.
Organised by the Indian Army on behalf of the three Services, the tournament has traditionally brought together leading Indian clubs, Services teams and emerging footballers. Since shifting its base to eastern India in 2019, the competition has expanded from a 16-team event to a 24-team tournament, increasing its presence across eastern and north-eastern India.
Tournament organisers said the competition continues to provide opportunities for young players to compete against established clubs while giving emerging teams exposure at the national level. Alongside India’s leading clubs and Services teams, the tournament has also featured overseas participation in recent editions, including Army teams from neighbouring countries.
This year’s edition will again include two foreign teams, although organisers have not yet announced the participating clubs, group allocations, fixtures or knockout schedule. Those details are expected to be released at a later date.
The tournament will conclude with the final on August 23, when the winners will lift the Durand Cup. Champions also receive the Shimla Trophy, both of which are rolling trophies, while the President’s Cup is awarded for permanent retention.
NorthEast United FC enter the tournament as defending champions.
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