Durand Cup Kicks Off in Kolkata with Increased Prize Money
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched the 134th edition of the Durand Cup, Asia’s oldest football tournament, in a vibrant ceremony at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. This year’s tournament features a significant boost in prize money, with the champions set to win an impressive 3 crore rupees.
Returning to the event after missing last year’s opening due to duties in Delhi, Banerjee officially kicked off the tournament by taking a ceremonial shot at the ball. She was joined by Sports Minister Aroop Biswas, Fire Minister Sujit Bose, and Minister of State for Sports Manoj Tiwary, along with senior officials from the Indian Army.
During her speech, Banerjee highlighted the tournament’s long and rich history, which dates back to 1888. She expressed her pride in having four teams from Kolkata participating this year, saying, “Especially since it began in Bengal, having four teams from our state is something we celebrate.”
The Chief Minister, however, sidestepped questions about the Indian Super League, currently on hold, saying, “Please don’t ask me about that here. This is not the right place for those discussions.”
The opening ceremony was a grand affair, featuring a flypast by three Indian Army helicopters and professional dancers performing to a song written by Banerjee herself. The event also showcased various dance styles from different army divisions, including Bhangra and Rabindra Nritya.
This year, a total of 24 teams will compete in the tournament, including teams from Nepal and Malaysia. The finals are scheduled for August 23.
Teams Participating in the Durand Cup 2025
- Group A: East Bengal FC, Indian Air Force FT, Namdhari FC, South United FC
- Group B: Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Mohammedan SC, Diamond Harbour FC, Border Security Force FT
- Group C: Jamshedpur FC, Tribhuvan Army FT, Indian Army FT, 1 Ladakh FC
- Group D: Punjab FC, ITBP FT, Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC, Bodoland FC
- Group E: Shillong Lajong FC, NorthEast United FC, Malaysian Armed Forces, Rangdajied United FC
- Group F: TRAU FC, NEROCA FC, Real Kashmir FC, Indian Navy FT
The excitement is palpable as teams gear up for this celebrated tournament!
