Latest news with #DurandCupTournament2025
India Gazette
04-07-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
President of India unveils Trophies of Durand Cup Tournament
New Delhi [India], July 4 (ANI): The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, unveiled and flagged off the Trophies of the Durand Cup Tournament 2025 at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre here on Friday, as per an official release. In her brief remarks on the occasion, the President said that sports promote discipline, determination and team spirit. Sports have the unique power to connect people, regions and countries. In India, it has been a powerful tool for national integration. All fellow citizens get thrilled when the tricolour flies at the Olympics or any international event. The President said that football has a special place in the hearts of millions. It is not just a sport; it is a passion. The game of football is all about strategy, endurance and working together towards a common goal. Events like the Durand Cup not only foster the spirit of the game but also help develop the next generation of football players, providing them with a platform to grow. She appreciated the role of the Armed Forces in keeping alive and promoting the spirit of the Durand Cup. Asia's oldest football tournament, the Durand Cup, will be back with its 134th edition and, for the first time in its storied history, be hosted in as many as five states with Manipur's capital, Imphal, making a comeback after a two-year gap. The Durand Cup Organising Committee also announced the dates for this year's tournament to be between July 22- August 23, as per a release from Durand Cup Media. Kokrajhar in Assam will extend its status as Durand Cup hosts for the third consecutive year, while Jamshedpur in Jharkhand and Shillong in Meghalaya were added as hosts last year. The century-old tournament shifted its home base to Kolkata - the Mecca of Indian Football, and the capital of West Bengal, from Delhi back in 2019, and will also continue to hold that status for a sixth consecutive edition. A total of six venues, two in Kolkata (Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan and Kishore Bharti Krirangan) and one each in Imphal (Khuman Lampak stadium), Ranchi (Morhabadi Stadium) or Jamshedpur (JRD Tata Sports Complex), Shillong (Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium) and Kokrajhar (SAI Stadium) have been earmarked for the 134th Durand Cup East United FC are the defending champions, having overcome maximum title-holders Mohun Bagan, in a thrilling final last year to get their historic maiden title. (ANI)
News18
04-07-2025
- Sport
- News18
President Murmu Launches Durand Cup Trophies: 'Foster The Spirit Of The Game...'
Last Updated: President Murmu flagged off the Durand Cup 2025 trophies, highlighting sports' role in national unity. The tournament will be held across six venues from July 15 to August 23. President Droupadi Murmu unveiled and flagged off the trophies of the Durand Cup 2025 at a grand ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre on Friday. In her brief remarks during the event, the President emphasised that sports promote discipline, determination, and team spirit. She highlighted how sports possess a unique ability to connect people, regions, and countries, serving as a powerful tool for national integration in India. The nation collectively rejoices when the tricolour is raised at the Olympics or any international event. The President mentioned that football holds a special place in the hearts of millions. It is more than just a sport; it is a passion. Football embodies strategy, endurance, and teamwork aimed at achieving a common goal. Events like the Durand Cup not only cultivate the spirit of the game but also nurture the next generation of football players, offering them a platform to grow. She commended the Armed Forces for their role in preserving and promoting the spirit of the Durand Cup. The official X account of the President shared, 'Events like the Durand Cup foster the spirit of the game and help develop the next generation of football players, providing them with a platform to grow." President Droupadi Murmu unveiled and flagged off the Trophies of the Durand Cup Tournament 2025 at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The President said that events like the Durand Cup not only foster the spirit of the game but also help develop the next generation of… — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 4, 2025 The 2025 edition of the Durand Cup, Asia's oldest football tournament, will take place across six venues in five states – West Bengal, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Jharkhand – from July 15 to August 23. Kokrajhar in Assam will host the Durand Cup for the third consecutive year, while Jamshedpur in Jharkhand and Shillong in Meghalaya were added as hosts last year. The century-old tournament moved its home base to Kolkata from New Delhi in 2019 and will continue to do so for the sixth consecutive edition. Since relocating to the East, the Durand Cup has re-established itself as the country's premier competition, growing from 16 to 24 teams, including participation from all the Indian Super League (ISL) teams. Organised by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army on behalf of the three Services, the tournament is unique as it pits Services teams against India's best football clubs. In recent editions, it has also included foreign participation from Army teams of neighbouring nations. Matches will be held at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan and Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, JRD Tata Sports Complex or Morabadi Stadium in Jharkhand, Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal, Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, and SAI Stadium in Kokrajhar. North-East United FC enters the tournament as the defending champions, having won their maiden title last year by defeating Mohun Bagan Super Giant. The complete list of participating teams and groupings is expected to be announced later this week. With IANS Inputs
