President Droupadi Murmu Honours Durand Cup Winners NorthEast United FC

With this emphatic win, the Highlanders became the first club since East Bengal’s three-peat in 1989, 1990, and 1991 to successfully defend the prestigious Durand Cup title. They achieved this impressive feat under the stewardship of Juan Pedro Benali.

The Honourable President handed over the trophy to team owner John Abraham, skipper Redeem Tiang, and CEO Mandar Vijaykumar Tamhane in the presence of dignitaries and members of the Durand Football Tournament Society and the Durand Cup Organising Committee.

The President presented the President’s Cup, one of the three iconic trophies awarded to the champions, marking a moment of pride for the club, its supporters, and the footballing community.

Instituted in 1956 by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, India’s first President, the President’s Cup has stood as a symbol of excellence and honour, reinforcing the tournament’s deep ties with the nation’s heritage. The ceremony not only celebrated NEUFC’s achievement but also highlighted the enduring legacy of the Indian Armed Forces in nurturing football and strengthening national unity.

The champions took control early, striking twice in the first half. Asheer Akhtar (30’) opened the scoring before local star Parthib Gogoi (45+1’) doubled the advantage on the stroke of half-time.

After the break, the Highlanders stepped on the accelerator. Thoi Singh (50’) made it 3-0 before the Spanish duo Jairo Samperio (81’) and Andy Rodriguez (85’) joined the party with quick-fire goals. Tournament top-scorer Alaaeddine Ajaraie then capped off a brilliant night by coolly converting a penalty in stoppage time (90+3’) to seal the historic victory.

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Ajaraie, who finished the tournament with eight goals, was at the heart of everything in the final, not only scoring but also providing three assists to underline his status as one of the standout performers of the competition.

Diamond Harbour’s lone consolation came in the 68th minute when Luka Majcen deflected in a header from Jobby Justin, briefly giving his side hope before the Highlanders’ late surge put the result beyond doubt.

The final whistle sparked wild celebrations as NorthEast United FC lifted their second consecutive Durand Cup, a night that will be remembered as one of the most dominant final performances in the tournament’s rich history.

NorthEast United FC also swept individual awards with Gurmeet Singh clinching the Golden Glove for the second consecutive season, while Alaaeddine Ajaraie won the Golden Ball for the Most Valuable Player of the Match as well as the Golden Boot for the highest scorer.

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