Excitement Builds for the 135th Durand Cup Kickoff in Kolkata
Durand Cup 2026: A Grand Opening
The anticipation for the Durand Cup is palpable as it prepares to commence with an electrifying Kolkata Derby on Saturday, July 25. This prestigious football tournament, now in its 135th year, promises a blend of tradition, fierce rivalry, and national pride, starting with a highly anticipated match between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal.
Support for Indian Football
During a press conference held at Fort William, the Indian Army's Eastern Command headquarters in Kolkata, Sports Minister Dr. Indranil Khan emphasized the importance of supporting Indian football. He was joined by Major General Dinesh Kumar Singh, Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, and other senior officials. The Durand Cup is a collaborative effort between the Indian Army and the state government, with representatives like Rajesh Pandey, Additional Chief Secretary for Sports, present.
Dr. Khan expressed, "Kolkata will host 16 matches of the 135th Durand Cup, including both the opening and final matches. This is a significant moment for every football enthusiast in our state. While we may have cheered for international teams during the World Cup, it’s now time to rally behind our own clubs and players. I encourage all football fans in West Bengal to fill the stadiums from the first match to the last, as the unwavering support of passionate fans is the greatest motivation for our players."
Key Messages from Officials
Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh acknowledged the media's role, stating, "The support we receive from the media each year is invaluable. The Durand Cup exemplifies a successful military-civilian partnership and has made Kolkata its proud host city since 2019, where football is more than just a sport; it’s a way of life."
Rajesh Pandey remarked on the Durand Cup's rich legacy, noting, "Few sporting events in India boast such a remarkable history. We are thrilled that the tournament is kicking off with the iconic Kolkata Derby and is once again being hosted in Kolkata. The state's football fans are eagerly looking forward to this event, and the West Bengal government is proud to support the Indian Army in making this tournament a success."
Innovations for This Year's Tournament
Major General Dinesh Kumar Singh highlighted the extension of the Durand Cup under the Eastern Command's oversight until 2032, showcasing the tournament's growth and the support it has garnered. He stated, "With the collaboration of the West Bengal government and other host states, we aim to expand the tournament to new venues, providing opportunities for young footballers and enhancing Indian football."
In addition, the Sports Minister announced that drinking water will be available for all attendees, ensuring equal access for fans and VIPs alike. He will personally oversee this initiative. Extra buses will be arranged in coordination with the transport department. If everything proceeds as planned, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari will inaugurate the 135th Durand Cup. This year, the winning team will receive three crore rupees, while the top three players will be awarded SUVs, and a new accolade for the best local talent will be introduced.
Ticketing Information
For the Kolkata Derby, both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal will have 5,000 tickets available. Online ticket sales commenced on Tuesday, July 21, at 11 AM via the BookMyShow app and website. Offline ticket sales and online redemption will take place from July 22 to July 24, between 11 AM and 6 PM at the ticket counters of both clubs. For all other matches in Kolkata, mobile tickets will be utilized to facilitate a seamless entry experience for spectators, although the derby match will follow a different ticketing process.