East Bengal FC Triumphs in Durand Cup 2026, Receives President's Cup
East Bengal FC Crowned Champions of Durand Cup 2026
New Delhi, September 7: President Droupadi Murmu presented the President's Cup trophy to East Bengal FC, the champions of the Durand Cup, during a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday.
In a thrilling final held in August, East Bengal FC showcased an impressive performance, defeating their long-time rivals, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, with a score of 4-1 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. This victory marked the club's 17th title in the prestigious tournament.
With this win, East Bengal FC has now matched Mohun Bagan's record of 17 Durand Cup titles.
Among the notable attendees at the event were Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani, the President of the Durand Football Tournament Society, along with officials and players from East Bengal FC.
According to a post from the official X account of the President of India, "President Droupadi Murmu handed over the President’s Cup of the Durand Cup Tournament 2026 to the winning team, East Bengal Football Club, at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were Chief of Defence Staff General N.S. Raja Subramani, President of the Durand Football Tournament Society; Chief of Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Vice Presidents of the Society; and officials and players of East Bengal Football Club."
President Droupadi Murmu handed over the President’s Cup of the Durand Cup Tournament 2026 to the winning team, East Bengal Football Club, at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were Chief of Defence Staff General N.S. Raja Subramani, President of… pic.twitter.com/uGlWV5OGvu
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) September 7, 2026
Key players for East Bengal included Thlibam Bipin Singh, who scored in the 10th minute, and Edmund Lalrindika, who netted three goals at the 12th, 22nd, and 44th minutes, achieving a hat-trick. Mohun Bagan's Manvir Singh managed to score in the 33rd minute.
The Durand Cup, organized by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army on behalf of the three Services, is recognized as the world's third-oldest football tournament. Established in 1888, it remains one of India's most esteemed football competitions, serving as a vital platform for both established players and emerging talents, as well as Services teams.
This year's 135th edition featured 24 teams, including a foreign team from the Sri Lankan armed forces, continuing the tradition of uniting India's top clubs, Services teams, and international competitors.