Historic Durand Cup set to start in August

by FC Admin July 20, 2022

Asia’s oldest football tournament, the Durand Cup, will start on 16th August 2022. The 131st edition of the prestigious tournament will be played across three states: West Bengal, Assam, and Manipur.

Durand Cup, one of the world’s oldest football tournaments, was started in 1888. The tournament kicked off and continued for decades in Shimla. Sir Mortimer Durand, a British diplomat, conceptualized the event. Army teams used to take part during the early days. The growing fan fare compelled the organizers to invite famous teams at the later stages.

A century back, on 1922, Mohun Bagan became the first Indian club to participate in the glorious competition. Since then, Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan and East Bengal have won the most Durand Cup titles (16). The latest edition will kick off with the Kolkata derby on 16th August 2022.

The competition will happen across five venues – VYBK Stadium (West Bengal), Naihati Stadium (West Bengal), Kishore Bharati Stadium (West Bengal), Khuman Lampak Stadium (Manipur), and Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium (Guwahati).

All eleven franchises from the Indian Super League, five I-League sides, and four teams from the Indian armed forces have registered. The 20 teams in total are divided into four groups:

The three trophies presented to the winners – the Durand Cup, the President’s Cup and the Shimla Trophy, will be showcased via a trophy tour. The tour starts on July 21 from Kolkata to Guwahati. The trophies will then be taken to Imphal, and Jaipur, the home of debutants Rajasthan United FC next. The tour concludes on 2nd August in Kolkata.

The final will be played on the 18th of September, 2022. FC Goa is the defending champions of the Durand Cup.

For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football

Also, Read FC Goa sign Morocco international Noah Sadaoui

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football