Durand Cup 2025 flagged off by President at Rashtrapati Bhawan
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 04 2025: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday unveiled and flagged off the three iconic Durand Cup trophies at the Rashtrapati Bhawan Cultural Centre (RBCC), officially launching the 134th edition of the Indian Oil Durand Cup - Asia's oldest and India's most prestigious football tournament.

This marks the second consecutive year the President has performed this symbolic act, underscoring the enduring legacy of the Durand Cup as a confluence of sport, service, and national identity.

The tournament, annually organised by the Indian Army, sees a historic expansion this year with Shillong (Meghalaya) and Imphal (Manipur) joining traditional venues such as Kolkata, Kokrajhar, and Jamshedpur.

Present at the ceremony were top military leaders in eluding chief of defence staff general Anil Chauhan, army chief general Upendra Dwivedi, naval chief admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, air chief marshal Amar Preet Singh, and Lt Gen RC Tiwari, Eastern Command GOC -in C and patron of the Durand Cup Organising Committee.

Also in attendance was Arjuna awardee and former India football captain Sandesh Jhingan.

In her address, President Murmu described the Durand Cup as a "living symbol of India's footballing heritage and the Armed Forces' commitment to sport," praising its role in inspiring the next generation of players.

General Chauhan highlighted the tournament's legacy of valour and unity, while Lt Gen Tiwari called it "a celebration of India's unity in diversity" and a platform to foster youth talent.

Sandesh Jhingan recalled his own association with the Cup, calling it "a century-old tradition that continues to shape Indian football".

Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar, chairman of the Durand Football Tournament Society, extended best wishes to all participating teams.

The three trophies - the Durand Cup, the President's Cup, and the Shimla Trophy - will now embark on a multi city tour across West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, Meghalaya, and Manipur, ahead of the tournament's opening on July 22 .

The grand finale is scheduled for August 23 in Kolkata and will be broadcast on Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV .

The 2025 edition will feature 24 teams, including all Indian Super League clubs, I-League teams, and Armed Forces contingents.

For over a century, the Durand Cup has served as a launchpad for Indian footballers and a powerful symbol of national integration, resilience, and sporting excellence.

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