Latest news with #MohitMalhotra
India Today
17-07-2025
- Sport
- India Today
Durand Cup 2025: ISL presence halved, Manipur joins as new co-host
The upcoming Durand Cup may see participation from only six Indian Super League teams this year, down from 12 last season, but Asia's oldest football tournament has received a significant prize money boost, the organisers announced on reduced ISL presence could largely be due to the ongoing deadlock between Football Sports Development Limited and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) over the renewal of the Master Rights uncertainty has forced the ISL to put its 2025–26 season "on hold", creating confusion for franchises about their team building, schedules and commitments, and resulting in fewer ISL clubs confirming participation in the Durand Cup, starting July 23. Calling the situation "unprecedented", Chief of Staff, Headquarters Eastern Command, and Chairman of the Durand Cup Organising Committee, Lt Gen Mohit Malhotra, said: "It's all in front of you.""It won't be appropriate for us to comment on this, but what we are certain of is that both parties are committed to the development of Indian football and we hope the matter will be resolved soon."As far as the Durand Cup is concerned, we have received tremendous support from FSDL and the AIFF over the years and we remain thankful to them."Lt Gen Malhotra also announced that the prize money this year has been increased from less than Rs 1.2 crore to Rs 3 crore, and three SUVs will be awarded to individual awardees -- like the Best Goalkeeper, Golden Boot, and Golden Ball winners -- will receive champion team will be invited to Rashtrapati Bhavan, where the President will hand over the President's six ISL teams -- Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mohammedan Sporting, Jamshedpur FC, Punjab FC and defending champions NorthEast United FC -- have confirmed their participation this the tournament will have two foreign teams Tribhuwan Army FC (Nepal) and Armed Forces (Malaysia) -- up from one last will host 15 matches, including the Group A and B league fixtures, one quarter-final, one semi-final and the summit clash on August city will also for the first time see four teams in action including the newly-promoted I-League-side Diamond Harbour Bengal and South United FC will kick off the month-long tournament on July 23 at the Salt Lake Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will inaugurate the event, state Sports Minister Arup Biswas said."It has returned to its former glory in the last few years. This is the sixth time it's being held in Kolkata," Biswas past reports of dissatisfaction among city clubs over complimentary tickets, Lt Gen Malhotra said: "These reports are incorrect. Let me tell you that as per a signed agreement, each club will receive 5,200 complimentary passes.'For the first time, the tournament will also be held in Manipur, with the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium hosting the Group F about security concerns in Manipur amid prevailing tensions, Lt Gen Malhotra said: "There is a lot of vibrancy there -- we saw that during the trophy unveiling.""Let me assure you that all necessary measures are in place in Manipur for the safe conduct of the tournament. We have also received immense support from local icons like Thoiba Singh, Mirabai Chanu and seven members of the Indian football team. We are confident of a successful outing there."- Ends
Hans India
17-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Durand Cup 2025 returns with prize money boost, new venues — but amid ISL uncertainty
Kolkata: Asia's oldest football tournament, the Durand Cup, is all set to kick off on July 23 with a significant increase in prize money, fresh venues, and expanded international presence. But while the tournament is poised for another vibrant edition, its build-up has been clouded by the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Indian club football — particularly the Indian Super League (ISL). The Durand Cup Organising Committee on Thursday confirmed that only six ISL clubs — Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mohammedan Sporting, Jamshedpur FC, Punjab FC, and defending champions NorthEast United FC — will take part this year, down sharply from 12 last season. This contraction comes amid a standoff between Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) over the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement — a deadlock that has left the ISL's 2025–26 season 'on hold.' The resulting uncertainty has made clubs hesitant about planning their rosters, training schedules, and off-season tournament commitments, including the Durand Cup. Calling the situation 'unprecedented,' Lt Gen Mohit Malhotra, Chief of Staff at the Headquarters Eastern Command and Chairman of the Durand Cup Organising Committee, acknowledged the ongoing crisis without assigning blame. 'It's all in front of you,' he said. 'It won't be appropriate for us to comment on this, but what we are certain of is that both parties are committed to the development of Indian football and we hope the matter will be resolved soon. 'As far as the Durand Cup is concerned, we have received tremendous support from FSDL and the AIFF over the years and we remain thankful to them.' In a clear attempt to reaffirm the Durand Cup's prestige, Lt Gen Malhotra announced a substantial increase in prize money — from under ₹1.2 crore last year to ₹3 crore this season. In addition to the cash incentives, top individual performers such as the Best Goalkeeper, Golden Boot winner, and Golden Ball winner will receive SUVs. The champion team will also be hosted at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, where they will be awarded the President's Cup by the President of India — a tradition that underscores the event's legacy and stature in Indian sport. This year's edition will also mark a geographical milestone, with the Durand Cup expanding into Manipur for the first time. The Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in Imphal will host Group F matches, further boosting the sport's visibility in the Northeast — a region with deep football roots. Amid ongoing tensions in Manipur, concerns around security were raised. But Lt Gen Malhotra offered firm reassurances: 'There is a lot of vibrancy there — we saw that during the trophy unveiling. Let me assure you that all necessary measures are in place in Manipur for the safe conduct of the tournament.' He also credited the support of local heroes. 'We have received immense support from local icons like Thoiba Singh, Mirabai Chanu and seven members of the Indian football team. We are confident of a successful outing there.' Kolkata will once again be at the centre of the Durand Cup's action, hosting 15 matches including the high-stakes Group A and B fixtures, a quarter-final, a semi-final, and the final on August 23. The tournament opener — East Bengal vs South United FC — will take place at Salt Lake Stadium, with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee set to inaugurate the month-long event. State Sports Minister Arup Biswas emphasised the tournament's revitalisation: 'It has returned to its former glory in the last few years. This is the sixth time it's being held in Kolkata.' Kolkata's lineup will feature four clubs this year, including newly-promoted I-League side Diamond Harbour FC. Responding to media reports suggesting dissatisfaction among city clubs over complimentary tickets, Lt Gen Malhotra was categorical: 'These reports are incorrect. Let me tell you that as per a signed agreement, each club will receive 5,200 complimentary passes.' Despite the reduced ISL footprint, the tournament has upped its international quotient. This year, two foreign teams — Tribhuwan Army FC (Nepal) and Armed Forces (Malaysia) — will compete, compared to just one last year. This reflects a continued effort to blend local tradition with international flavour.
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First Post
17-07-2025
- Sport
- First Post
Durand Cup 2025: Prize money triples but ISL participation drops amid uncertainty after suspension
The 2025 Durand Cup gets a massive prize money boost and SUVs for individual winners. However, in a major blow, only six ISL teams will participate in the tournament this year amid the AIFF-FSDL deadlock. The tournament kicks off on July 23 in Kolkata. read more The prize money this year has been increased from less than Rs 1.2 crore to Rs 3 crore. Image: ISL Kolkata: The upcoming Durand Cup may see participation from only six Indian Super League teams this year, down from 12 last season, but Asia's oldest football tournament has received a significant prize money boost, the organisers announced on Thursday. The reduced ISL presence could largely be due to the ongoing deadlock between Football Sports Development Limited and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) over the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement. The uncertainty has forced the ISL to put its 2025–26 season 'on hold', creating confusion for franchises about their team building, schedules and commitments, and resulting in fewer ISL clubs confirming participation in the Durand Cup, starting July 23. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Calling the situation 'unprecedented', Chief of Staff, Headquarters Eastern Command, and Chairman of the Durand Cup Organising Committee, Lt Gen Mohit Malhotra, said: 'It's all in front of you.' More from Football 'It won't be appropriate for us to comment on this, but what we are certain of is that both parties are committed to the development of Indian football and we hope the matter will be resolved soon. 'As far as the Durand Cup is concerned, we have received tremendous support from FSDL and the AIFF over the years and we remain thankful to them.' Lt Gen Malhotra also announced that the prize money this year has been increased from less than Rs 1.2 crore to Rs 3 crore, and three SUVs will be awarded to individual winners. Individual awardees – like the Best Goalkeeper, Golden Boot, and Golden Ball winners – will receive SUVs. The champion team will be invited to Rashtrapati Bhavan, where the President will hand over the President's Cup. Only six ISL teams – Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mohammedan Sporting, Jamshedpur FC, Punjab FC and defending champions NorthEast United FC – have confirmed their participation this year. But the tournament will have two foreign teams Tribhuwan Army FC (Nepal) and Armed Forces (Malaysia) – up from one last year. Kolkata will host 15 matches, including the Group A and B league fixtures, one quarter-final, one semi-final and the summit clash on August 23. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The city will also for the first time see four teams in action including the newly-promoted I-League-side Diamond Harbour FC. East Bengal and South United FC will kick off the month-long tournament on July 23 at the Salt Lake Stadium. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will inaugurate the event, state Sports Minister Arup Biswas said. 'It has returned to its former glory in the last few years. This is the sixth time it's being held in Kolkata,' Biswas said. Addressing past reports of dissatisfaction among city clubs over complimentary tickets, Lt Gen Malhotra said: 'These reports are incorrect. Let me tell you that as per a signed agreement, each club will receive 5,200 complimentary passes.' For the first time, the tournament will also be held in Manipur, with the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium hosting the Group F matches. Asked about security concerns in Manipur amid prevailing tensions, Lt Gen Malhotra said: 'There is a lot of vibrancy there – we saw that during the trophy unveiling.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Let me assure you that all necessary measures are in place in Manipur for the safe conduct of the tournament. We have also received immense support from local icons like Thoiba Singh, Mirabai Chanu and seven members of the Indian football team. We are confident of a successful outing there.'
News18
17-07-2025
- Sport
- News18
With Uncertain Future, Legacy Tournament Durand Cup Shows Indian Football Light
Lt. Gen. Mohit Malhotra, AVSM SM, Chief of Staff, Eastern Command, and Chairman of the Durand Cup Organising Committee, though, assured calm. 'Let me assure you that all the measures that are required are in place in Manipur for a safe conduct of the tournament for everybody," he said at the trophy unveiling ceremony in Kolkata on Friday. Lt Gen Malhotra also took the opportunity to announce that the total cash prize money pool of the Durand Cup this year will increase three times to ₹3 Crore. 'I am delighted to announce that this year the tournament has significantly ramped up its prize structure, from under ₹1.2 Cr in the past to over ₹3 Cr now. In addition, three brand-new SUVs for the three individual award winners (like the Best Goalkeeper, Golden Boot and Golden Ball winners) will also be presented," he announced. Which Teams Are Participating In Durand Cup? Defending champions Northeast United, along with Mohun Bagan Super Giant, East Bengal FC, Mohammedan SC, Jamshedpur FC, and Punjab FC, will participate – six of 13 Indian Super League sides. Lt. Gen. Malhotra also weighed in on the ongoing issues at the All India Football Federation (AIFF), stating, 'It's all in front of you." 'It won't be appropriate for us to comment on this, but what we are certain of is that both parties are committed to the development of Indian football, and we hope the matter will be resolved soon. 'As far as the Durand Cup is concerned, we have received tremendous support from FSDL and the AIFF over the years, and we remain thankful to them," he added. The Malaysian Armed Forces and Nepal's Tribhuvan Army are the invited foreign sides. Maj. Gen. Rajesh Arun Moghe added, 'We are also proud to provide a platform for four promising grassroots teams in 1-Ladakh FC, South United FC, Bodoland FC, and Rangdajied United FC." From the I-League, Namari FC, Real Kashmir FC, Diamond Harbour FC and Shillong Lajong FC. Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC of Assam, along with Manipur's TRAU and NEROCA, are representing I-League 2. The group stage has six groups of four teams each, with each group playing six matches. Six group winners and two best second-placed teams will advance to the quarterfinals, scheduled for August 16th and 17th. The semifinals are set for August 19th and 20th, leading up to the final on Saturday, August 23rd. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will inaugurate the tournament in Kolkata.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hyatt Regency opens first hotel in Manhattan, US
Hospitality company Hyatt has marked the debut of its first Hyatt Regency hotel in Manhattan's Times Square in New York City, US. The new 795-room property is managed by global real estate investment company Highgate and owned by Argent Ventures. The upscale hotel has undergone a multi-million-dollar transformation, now featuring a two-storey lobby with a restaurant and a glass atrium. Hyatt Regency Times Square general manager Mohit Malhotra said: 'Hyatt Regency Times Square is the most exciting recent addition to New York City's hotel landscape. 'The Hyatt Regency brand offers a seamless travel experience for both business and leisure guests. The hotel's stunning design, incredible views, and exhilarating location are complemented with comfort, convenience, and genuine care for our guests, World of Hyatt members, and customers.' Highgate's design and construction group Lucid collaborated with Gensler and Hyatt to facilitate the project's development. Each guest room and suite at the Hyatt Regency property is designed to provide views of New York City, featuring sofas, tables, blackout curtains, and built-in reading lights and chargers. The 969ft² penthouse suite offers views and can be connected to two additional rooms for extra space. The hotel offers a gym that is equipped with a range of training equipment. It also offers 290,000ft² of modern commercial space at its base, marketed by CBRE. The Times Square property joins around 30 other Hyatt properties in New York City, including the recent Hotel Seville Nomad under The Unbound Collection by Hyatt. This opening follows Hyatt's continued expansion of the Hyatt Regency brand in the US, with hotel launches in Houston announced in May 2023. "Hyatt Regency opens first hotel in Manhattan, US" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
