The football fever is set to rise as the tentative fixtures for the 134th IndianOil Durand Cup have been unveiled, with the tournament scheduled to ignite on July 23 and culminate on August 23. In a dramatic twist, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, initially rumored to have withdrawn, found their way back into the competition following intense last-minute negotiations, adding a layer of intrigue to the event.
However, seven ISL clubs – Chennaiyin FC, FC Goa, Kerala Blasters FC, Bengaluru FC, Hyderabad FC, Odisha FC, and Mumbai City FC – have opted out, citing uncertainties around the upcoming ISL season schedule.
This year’s edition will see ISL heavyweights like Mohun Bagan SG, East Bengal FC, Mohammedan SC, NorthEast United FC, Punjab FC, and Jamshedpur FC battle it out on the pitch. Diamond Harbour FC, the newly promoted I-League 2 champions, will make their Durand Cup debut, drawn into a group alongside Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan SC, setting the stage for thrilling encounters.
The tentatively scheduled opener on July 23 will witness East Bengal face off against newcomers South United FC, while the clash between Mohun Bagan SG and Mohammedan SC on July 31 promises to be a group-stage blockbuster.
Marking a historic first, the Durand Cup will span five states – West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, Meghalaya, and Manipur – showcasing its expanding national footprint. Shillong Lajong FC and Rangdajied United FC, two prominent Meghalaya clubs, will add local flavor, while the Manipur derby between NEROCA FC and TRAU FC will bring regional rivalries to the forefront.
Adding to the excitement, two foreign teams are expected to join the fray, though their identities remain under wraps. Minor tweaks to the fixture list are still possible before the tournament officially begins.
In a grand ceremonial gesture, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, flagged off the iconic Durand Cup trophies from the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre (RBCC), officially launching the 134th edition of Asia’s oldest football tournament. This marks the second consecutive year of the President’s involvement, reinforcing the tournament’s deep-rooted connection with the nation and its armed forces.
Addressing the gathering, President Murmu hailed the Durand Cup as a “living symbol of India’s footballing heritage and the Armed Forces’ enduring sporting commitment.” She emphasized,
“Football is more than a sport; it’s a passion that unites millions. It’s a game of strategy, endurance, and teamwork. Tournaments like the Durand Cup not only fuel the spirit of the sport but also nurture the next generation of football talent.”
She also commended the Armed Forces for their pivotal role in preserving the tournament’s legacy.
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