134th Durand Cup Kicks Off with Grand Ceremonies in Kolkata and Jamshedpur

The 134th edition of the Indian Oil Durand Cup, Asia’s oldest and one of the world’s most prestigious football tournaments, began with spectacular opening ceremonies in Kolkata and Jamshedpur, marking the start of an expanded, multi-state celebration of Indian football.

Grand Opening in Kolkata: A Tribute to Culture and Football

The city of Kolkata witnessed an electric atmosphere on July 23 as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the tournament at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan with a symbolic kick of the match ball, amidst a colourful cultural ceremony. The event saw a packed stadium of enthusiastic supporters celebrating the return of football’s grand tradition.

Also present were key dignitaries from the West Bengal government including Shri Aroop Biswas, Shri Sujit Bose, and Shri Manoj Tiwari, along with senior military officials like Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, Patron of the Durand Cup Organising Committee (DCOC), and several other top-ranking officers of the Eastern Command.

The cultural segment featured Baul folk music, Maratha martial displays, Krav Maga, Bhangra, Khukri dances, and a special fusion performance involving NCC cadets, celebrating India’s rich heritage. The grand finale included a fly-past by an Advanced Light Helicopter carrying the National Flag and two Cheetah helicopters flying the flags of the Eastern Command and the Durand Cup.

The opening match saw Emami East Bengal FC take on South United FC, launching Group A fixtures. A few souvenir footballs were kicked into the stands to engage young fans, symbolizing the tournament’s enduring legacy and outreach.

Jamshedpur’s “Furnace” Ignites with Passion

On July 24, the Durand Cup’s Jamshedpur leg commenced at the JRD Tata Sports Complex, known affectionately as “The Furnace” – the home of Jamshedpur FC. Braving the rain, fans filled the stadium to welcome the event with unbridled enthusiasm.

The opening ceremony was graced by Shri Sudivya Kumar, Minister of Sports & Youth Affairs, and Lieutenant General R.C. Tiwari, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command, alongside dignitaries including Major General Dhurba Prakash Shah, DGMT, Nepali Army, and other civil and military leaders.

Cultural performances included Paika, Jhumair, Khukri, and Kalaripayattu dances, paying homage to the folk and martial traditions of Jharkhand and the Indian Armed Forces. Before kickoff, Indian and Nepali Army officials exchanged mementoes, reinforcing the longstanding ties between the two nations.

A special moment came as players of the Tribhuvan Army FC were greeted and wished by senior military officials, marking the start of Group C matches. Other teams in the group include Indian Army FT and debutant 1 Ladakh FC. Jamshedpur is set to host seven matches, including a quarterfinal.

Durand Cup: A Legacy Across Five States

First held in Shimla in 1888, the Durand Cup is now under the aegis of the Eastern Command, headquartered in Kolkata since 2019. It is the third-oldest football tournament in the world and a proud symbol of India’s sporting heritage.

This year, for the first time, the tournament is being held across five states: West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, Meghalaya, and Manipur, underlining its evolution into a truly pan-Indian football spectacle.

A total of 24 teams are competing for three trophies – the Durand Cup, Shimla Trophy, and the President’s Cup (awarded permanently to the champion). The final will be hosted in Kolkata, concluding this month-long football festival.