Exciting Kickoff for the 135th Durand Cup with Kolkata Derby

Durand Cup 2023: A Historic Rivalry Begins

The 135th edition of the Durand Cup is set to launch with a thrilling match between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC, two of the most storied teams in Indian football. This highly anticipated opening match will take place at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on July 25.

The organizing committee has unveiled the tournament schedule, promising an exhilarating month for fans of Asia's oldest football competition. The event will run from July 25 to August 23, featuring 24 teams divided into six groups across five cities, showcasing a mix of top Indian clubs, Services teams, and international participants.

This year's tournament will be hosted in Kolkata, Ranchi, Imphal, Shillong, and Guwahati, highlighting its expanding reach while maintaining strong ties to the football-rich regions of eastern and northeastern India. The group stage will include a mix of established teams, ambitious newcomers, and regional champions, reflecting the tournament's rich history.

Kolkata will once again be the focal point, hosting Groups A and B, the opening match, two quarter-finals, the first semi-final, and the final.

Group A features the record 17-time champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant, 16-time winners East Bengal FC, South United FC, and CISF Protectors. The spotlight will be on the Kolkata Derby, a celebrated rivalry, on July 25, marking a fitting start to the tournament. The group stage will wrap up on August 10 with Mohun Bagan Super Giant facing CISF Protectors.

Group B includes Mohammedan SC, Indian Army FT, and newcomers Baghpat FC and Samaleswari Sporting, promising a blend of tradition and fresh talent. The group kicks off on July 26 with Indian Army FT against Samaleswari Sporting, concluding on August 12 with a match between Mohammedan SC and Indian Army FT.

Ranchi will host all Group C matches at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium, featuring Indian Super League teams Jamshedpur FC, Sporting Club Delhi, Indian Air Force FT, and Sri Lanka's Defenders FC, who are making their debut. The action in Ranchi starts on July 26 with Jamshedpur FC facing Defenders FC and ends on August 13 against Indian Air Force FT.

In Group D, local teams TRAU FC, NEROCA FC, and FC Raengdai will compete alongside Indian Navy FT. The Imphal leg will kick off with a Manipur derby between TRAU FC and NEROCA FC on July 28, concluding on August 12 with another local clash.

Group E, hosted in Shillong, showcases Meghalaya's football talent with Shillong Lajong FC, Langsning FC, and Nongkseh SS&CC, along with debutants Mumbay FC. The group begins on July 31 with Shillong Lajong FC against Nongkseh SS&CC and wraps up on August 13 with the Shillong derby.

Group F in Guwahati features defending champions NorthEast United FC, who are aiming for a third consecutive title, alongside Bodoland FC, FC1, and Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC. The Guwahati matches start on August 1 with NorthEast United FC facing Bodoland FC and conclude on August 13.

After the group stage, the top six teams and the two best second-placed teams will move on to the knockout rounds. The quarter-finals will begin on August 16, with matches in Ranchi and Kolkata, followed by more quarter-finals on August 17.

The semi-finals will take place on August 19 in Kolkata and August 20 in Shillong, culminating in the final at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on August 23, where the champion of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup will be crowned.

With the fixtures now set, all eyes are on the pitch as the 24 teams gear up for the coveted Durand Cup title, starting with the Kolkata Derby on July 25 and culminating in the final on August 23.