Kolkata – the Mecca of Indian Football, will be home to the Durand Cup for the next five editions
Kolkata – the Mecca of Indian Football, has been now officially confirmed as the home of the Durand Cup – the oldest club football tournament in Asia, for the next five editions.
Addressing the media at Fort William during the unveiling of the iconic Durand Cup trophies in the presence of Shri Aroop Biswas (Hon’ble Minister for Sports & Youth Affairs, Power in the Govt. of West Bengal), Lt. General Kamal Repswal (Chief of Staff, HQ Eastern Command, SM, VSM) made the announcement confirming the City of Joy as hosts.
Shri Aroop Biswas (Hon’ble Minister for Sports & Youth affairs, Power in the Govt. of West Bengal) clarified on attendance norms for the 130th Durand Cup and mentioned to the press that there will be minimal attendance in the stands at the beginning of the tournament, owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The WB Govt. has allowed 50% capacity inside stadiums but the Durand Cup tournament committee, in light of the pandemic, has decided to allow minimal attendance and then gradually towards the end of the tournament, if everything goes well, we will allow 50% attendance in compliance with government norms during the latter stages”, he said.
On the other hand, General Repswal (Chief of Staff, HQ Eastern Command, SM, VSM) confirmed Kolkata as the home of the Durand Cup until 2025.
“The 129th edition of the Durand Cup was held in Kolkata in 2019. The kind of response the tournament got in Kolkata was immense, with tremendous amount of support from the state government. I must mention it because every department of the state govt. went out of their way to ensure the tournament becomes a success.
“You will all be very happy to know that for the next five years, Durand Cup will be conducted in Kolkata.”
General Repswal also confirmed that the Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal, Ms. Mamata Banerjee will be in attendance for the inauguration and opening match of the 130th Durand Cup on 5th September at Vivekananda Yubabharati Krirangan (VYBK).
Only behind the English FA Cup and Scottish Cup (starting in 1871 and 1874 respectively) in terms of inception, the first-ever Durand Cup took place in 1888 – making it the oldest-running club football tournament in the world, and the oldest-running football tournament in Asia.
In the previous 129th edition, held for the first time in the city, Gokulam Kerala emerged champions, beating Mohun Bagan 2-1 in front of a packed stadium, to register their first silverware in club history. They are back to defend that title.
The Teams
A total of 16 teams are vying for the 130th Durand Cup Champions title and besides the defending champions, ISL franchise Kerala Blasters are the second team from the southernmost State known for its football fanaticism.
The ISL is well represented with Bengaluru FC, FC Goa, Jamshedpur FC and Hyderabad FC joining the Blasters.
The century old Mohammedan Sporting, the tournament’s first Indian winner, will represent the local challenge along with fellow I-Leaguers Sudeva FC of Delhi and of course Gokulam.
A second team from Delhi and Bengaluru, Delhi FC and Bengaluru United bring up the second division challenge while the Army also has two teams in the form of Army Green and Army Red.
The Indian Air Force, The Indian Navy, The Assam Rifles and CRPF are the other four teams in the tournament to be played from September 5-October 3, 2021.
A Rich Heritage
Traditionally organized by the Indian Army on behalf of our Armed Forces, this year onwards the Government of West Bengal will join as joint-hosts and led by Shri. Biswas, have been at the forefront in all aspects of organizing the tournament.
Shimla served as hosts in the earlier years of the Durand Cup before the tournament shifted base to New Delhi in 1940. In 2019 however, the tournament returned after a three-year absence but to its newest home – Kolkata.
This year, the 130th edition of the legendary tournament will commence again, where it will remain for the next five years. Draped in such rich footballing heritage, coupled with an unadulterated passion for football amongst the people of the State – the city of Kolkata rightly does justice as home to a tournament as historic as the Durand Cup.
The Venues
Three leading footballing venues of the State have been identified for the 130thDurand Cup, namely the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) and the Mohun Bagan Club Ground in Kolkata as well as the Kalyani Municipal Stadium Ground, which has been regularly hosting national level football matches over the past few years.
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: First International Friendly between India and Nepal ends in draw
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Mumbai Premier League 2024-25: Mid-Season Stats and Highlights
The Mumbai Premier League (MPL) 2024-25 has delivered a scintillating season so far, packed with high-octane football and a flurry of goals. With 36 matches completed across the two groups,…
Reliance Foundation Development League: Mumbai Region Set to Kick Off on December 1
The Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) is back for its fourth season, with the zonal rounds in Mumbai commencing on December 1, 2024. Known as the country’s premier developmental football…
MH Oranje FC and MYJ-GMSC share the spoils in a heated MFA Nadkarni Cup encounter
In a thrilling MFA Nadkarni Cup playoff match, MYJ-GMSC and MH Oranje FC shared the points after a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Neville Dsouza Ground.
Boris Singh’s first-half strike, defensive resilience help FC Goa soar past Kerala Blasters FC in Kochi
FC Goa notched their 50th clean sheet in the competition and continued their formidable form as they edged past Kerala Blasters FC 1-0 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi…
Odisha FC sweep aside Bengaluru FC with an overwhelming offensive display to win by 4-2
Odisha FC delivered a magnificent performance to clinch an entertaining 4-2 victory against Bengaluru FC at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 tonight. The…
Dominant Jamshedpur FC put on a commanding display in 3-1 win over Mohammedan SC
Jamshedpur FC returned to winning ways in a dominant 3-1 performance over Mohammedan Sporting Club at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25…
AIFF signs commercial rights agreement with Shrachi Sports
The All India Football Federation signed a commercial rights agreement for its premier competitions (I-League, I-League 2, IWL, Senior National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy and Senior Women’s National Football…
Training camp for AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup to start in Bhavnagar from December 15
The training camp to select the Indian futsal team for the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers in Indonesia in January, 2025, will start in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, from December…
Manolo Marquez’ 100th ISL game goes as per plan, as FC Goa beat Hyderabad FC by 2-0
FC Goa secured a comfortable 2-0 victory against Hyderabad FC at the G.M.C Balayogi Athletic Stadium in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 tonight to give a fitting tribute to…
Corporate Football / MFA Elite Corporate League / Trials
Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign
Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…
Mumbai Super League club Charkop FC to conduct open trials for upcoming Season
Calling all aspiring football stars! Charkop FC, a MFA super division club based in Charkop, Kandivali, is set to conduct Open Trials for the upcoming season. About Charkop FC: In…
Academy / Football Academy / Trials
Mumbai 42 Football Academy to conduct trials for Youth players
Newly established Mumbai 42 Football Academy will be conducting trials for young footballers in the upcoming week.
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…