President Murmu Launches Durand Cup Trophies: 'Foster The Spirit Of The Game...'

Last Updated:July 04, 2025, 14:28 IST

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 Murmu with the trophies. (Govt. of India)

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."

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

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