President Droupadi Murmu Launches Durand Cup 2025 Trophies

President Droupadi Murmu unveiled the trophies for the Durand Cup 2025 at a ceremony in New Delhi, highlighting the significance of sports in fostering national unity. The tournament, Asia's oldest football competition, will take place across six venues in five states from July 15 to August 23. With a growing number of teams and the involvement of the Armed Forces, the Durand Cup continues to be a vital platform for nurturing football talent in India. NorthEast United FC enters as the defending champion, and the full list of participating teams will be announced soon.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 4, 2025, 14:47 IST

Inauguration of Durand Cup 2025

New Delhi, July 4: President Droupadi Murmu officially launched the trophies for the Durand Cup 2025 during a ceremonial event at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre on Friday.

During her speech, the President emphasized that sports instill discipline, determination, and teamwork. She highlighted the ability of sports to unite people across regions and nations, noting its significance in fostering national integration in India. The pride felt by citizens when the national flag is raised at the Olympics or other international competitions is a testament to this.

Football, according to the President, holds a special significance for millions, transcending mere sport to become a passion. She described football as a game that requires strategy, endurance, and collaboration towards a shared objective. Events like the Durand Cup not only enhance the spirit of the sport but also nurture the next generation of football talent, offering them a platform for development. She acknowledged the Armed Forces' contributions in sustaining and promoting the Durand Cup's legacy.

“Events like the Durand Cup foster the spirit of the game and help develop the next generation of football players, providing them with a platform to grow,” the President's official X account stated.

The 2025 Durand Cup, recognized as Asia’s oldest football tournament, is set to take place 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 Durand Cup for the third consecutive year, while Jamshedpur in Jharkhand and Shillong in Meghalaya joined as hosts last year. The tournament moved its base from New Delhi to Kolkata in 2019 and will maintain this location for the sixth consecutive edition.

Since relocating to the East, the Durand Cup has reestablished itself as the premier football competition in the country, expanding from 16 to 24 teams, including all Indian Super League (ISL) teams.

Organized by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army on behalf of the three Services, the tournament uniquely features Service teams competing against top football clubs in India. Recent editions have also included participation from Army teams from neighboring countries.

Matches are scheduled to take place at various venues, including Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan and Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, JRD Tata Sports Complex or Morabadi Stadium in Jharkhand, Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal, Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, and SAI Stadium in Kokrajhar.

NorthEast United FC will enter the tournament as the defending champions, having won their first title last year by defeating Mohun Bagan Super Giant. The complete list of participating teams and their groupings is anticipated to be released later this week.