New Delhi, July 4 : In a ceremony steeped in legacy and national pride, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, today flagged off the three iconic Durand Cup trophies from the Rashtrapati Bhawan Cultural Centre (RBCC). This act formally marks the commencement of the 134th IndianOil Durand Cup, Asia’s oldest and India’s most prestigious football tournament.
This is the second consecutive year that President Murmu has performed this symbolic gesture, reaffirming the Durand Cup’s enduring significance as a unique confluence of sport, service, and nationhood. The ceremony also upholds a proud post-independence tradition of the Supreme Commander’s direct association with the Durand Cup.
The event at the RBCC was attended by several distinguished guests, including General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff; General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff; Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff; Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Chief of the Air Staff; and Lt General RC Tiwari, GOC-in-C Eastern Command and Patron, Durand Cup Organizing Committee (DCOC). Arjuna Award recipient and renowned Indian footballer Sandesh Jhingan was also present.
President Murmu, speaking at the occasion, acknowledged the Durand Cup as a living symbol of India’s footballing heritage and the Armed Forces’ sporting commitment. She added that football holds a special place in the hearts of millions, calling it “not just a sport; it is a passion”. She emphasized that the game of football is about strategy, endurance, and working together towards a common goal. The President highlighted that events like the Durand Cup foster the spirit of the game and help develop the next generation of football players by providing them a platform to grow. She also appreciated the Armed Forces’ role in keeping the spirit of the Durand Cup alive and promoting it.
General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, stated that the Durand Cup is a legacy of valor, discipline, and unity, reflecting the finest traditions of the Armed Forces and the nation. He expressed honor at the President’s presence in flagging off this edition, stating that her gesture reaffirms the enduring bond between sport, service, and the spirit of India.
Lt General RC Tiwari, GOC-in-C Eastern Command and Patron, DCOC, reiterated the Durand Cup’s importance for young football talent, noting that it is “far more than a football tournament” but a celebration of India’s unity in diversity and a commitment to nurturing the next generation through teamwork, discipline, and resilience.
Sandesh Jhingan, who has captained the national side, recalled his experiences with the Durand Cup, stating that the gathering was not merely to unveil a trophy but to celebrate a century-old legacy that has played a vital role in shaping Indian football, thanks to the Indian Army’s unwavering dedication.
Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar GoC Delhi Area and Chairman, Standing Working Committee, Durand Football Tournament Society, conveyed best wishes to all participating teams for successful and spirited matches.
The three revered trophies – the Durand Cup, the Presidents Cup, and the Shimla Trophy – will now embark on a multi-city tour across this year’s five host states: West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, Meghalaya, and Manipur. The Trophy Tour aims to ignite public enthusiasm and community pride before the tournament’s kick-off on July 23, 2025, with the grand finale scheduled for August 23, 2025.
For 137 years, the Durand Cup has served as a launchpad for India’s most promising young talent, providing unknown players from across the country a chance to test their mettle and chase their dreams. This year marks the first time the Durand Cup is being played across five states. The tournament continues to serve as a nation-building platform where aspiring footballers can rise, shine, and inspire.
The Durand Cup, embodying discipline, unity, and sporting excellence, is organized by the Indian Army on behalf of the three Services. It is Asia’s oldest and the world’s third-oldest football tournament. The inaugural edition was held in Shimla in 1888. Since 2019, the tournament has been under the aegis of the Eastern Command, with Kolkata as its home base, and has grown into a multi-city, multi-state sporting spectacle. The champions receive three iconic trophies: the Durand Cup and the Shimla Trophy (both rolling honors), and the Presidents Cup, crafted afresh each year for permanent keepsake.
