Droupadi Murmu Launches Durand Cup 2025 Trophies at Rashtrapati Bhavan

President Droupadi Murmu unveiled the trophies for the Durand Cup 2025, emphasizing the significance of sports in fostering unity and discipline. The tournament, Asia's oldest football event, will be hosted across five states, including a return to Imphal. Scheduled from July 22 to August 23, the event promises to nurture future football talent while celebrating the sport's passion among millions. North East United FC will defend their title against a backdrop of rich football history in Kolkata and beyond. Discover more about this exciting tournament and its impact on Indian football.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 5, 2025, 02:04 IST

Inauguration of Durand Cup 2025 Trophies

On July 4, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, officially unveiled and launched the trophies for the upcoming Durand Cup Tournament 2025 during a ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre.

During her speech, President Murmu emphasized the importance of sports in fostering discipline, determination, and teamwork. She highlighted how sports can unite people across different regions and nations, serving as a significant means of national integration in India. The excitement felt by citizens when the national flag is raised at the Olympics or other international competitions is a testament to this.

Football, she noted, holds a special significance for millions, transcending mere sport to become a passion. The game embodies 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 vital platform for development. The President commended the Armed Forces for their role in sustaining and promoting the Durand Cup's legacy.

The Durand Cup, recognized as Asia's oldest football tournament, is set to return for its 134th edition, making history by being hosted across five states, with Imphal in Manipur rejoining after a two-year hiatus. The tournament is scheduled to take place from July 22 to August 23, as announced by the Durand Cup Organising Committee.

Kokrajhar in Assam will continue its role as a host for the third consecutive year, while Jamshedpur in Jharkhand and Shillong in Meghalaya were added as venues last year. The tournament, which shifted its base to Kolkata—the heart of Indian football and the capital of West Bengal—in 2019, will maintain this status for the sixth consecutive year.

For the 134th edition, six venues have been selected: 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). North East United FC will enter the tournament as the defending champions after their thrilling victory over the record-holding Mohun Bagan in last year's final.