134th Edition of IndianOil Durand Cup Set to Kick Off This July

The IndianOil Durand Cup, Asia's oldest football tournament, is set to return for its 134th edition from July 22 to August 23. This year, the tournament will be hosted in five states, including a much-anticipated return to Imphal. With 24 teams participating, including all Indian Super League clubs, the competition promises thrilling matches. The event, organized by the Indian Army, aims to expand its reach in the eastern and northeastern regions. Defending champions North East United FC will be looking to retain their title after a historic win last year. Discover more about the venues and the excitement that awaits fans this summer.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 25, 2025, 19:38 IST

Exciting Return of Asia's Oldest Football Tournament

The IndianOil Durand Cup, recognized as Asia's oldest football tournament, is gearing up for its 134th edition. The organizing committee has revealed that this year's event will take place from July 22 to August 23. Notably, the tournament will be hosted across five states, with Imphal, the capital of Manipur, returning as a venue after a two-year hiatus.

Kokrajhar in Assam will continue its role as a host for the third consecutive year, while Jamshedpur in Jharkhand and Shillong in Meghalaya joined the hosting roster last year. Since 2019, the tournament has been based in Kolkata, the heart of Indian football and the capital of West Bengal, and it will maintain this status for the sixth year running.

Since relocating to the eastern region, the Durand Cup has solidified its position as the country's premier football competition, expanding from 16 to 24 participating teams, which now includes all teams from the Indian Super League (ISL).

The tournament is organized by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army on behalf of the three armed services, and it uniquely features matches between service teams and top football clubs in India. Recent editions have also welcomed foreign teams, including army squads from neighboring countries.

The Indian Army aims to broaden the tournament's reach throughout the eastern and northeastern regions, a vision reflected in this year's selection of host cities.

Local governments and autonomous bodies have consistently shown their support for this beloved tournament, which has captivated football fans across the nation.

This year's tournament will take place at six venues: two in Kolkata (Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan and Kishore Bharti Krirangan), and one each in Imphal (Khuman Lampak Stadium), Ranchi (Morhabadi Stadium or Jamshedpur's JRD Tata Sports Complex), Shillong (Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium), and Kokrajhar (SAI Stadium).

Defending champions North East United FC will return to the field after their thrilling victory over the record-holding Mohun Bagan in last year's final, marking their first title win.