Jamshedpur : The historic Durand Cup is all set to return as the curtain-raiser for the 2025–26 Indian football season.
Slated to begin on July 22 and run until August 23, the 134th edition of Asia’s oldest football tournament promises a thrilling month of action featuring top clubs from across the country and potentially a few invited international sides.
Multi-City Extravaganza
In keeping with its recent format of taking football to diverse regions, the tournament will be played across five venues:
* Kolkata (West Bengal)
* Kokrajhar (Assam)
* Shillong (Meghalaya)
* Imphal (Manipur)
* Jamshedpur (Jharkhand)
The opening match is expected to be held in Shillong, a city with a rich footballing culture and passionate fans.
The local crowd is expected to turn out in large numbers, especially if regional favorites like Shillong Lajong FC or NorthEast United FC are involved.
Format and Schedule
The group stage will run from July 22 to August 15, followed by the knockout rounds starting August 16, culminating in the grand final on August 23.
The tournament will feature a mix of Indian Super League (ISL) teams, I-League sides, services teams, and a few youth or international outfits, depending on confirmations.
Traditionally used as a preparatory competition, the Durand Cup has grown in stature over the last few years with increased broadcasting, greater fan engagement, and the participation of top-tier clubs with competitive squads.
Organizers and Expectations
Organized by the Indian Army in collaboration with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and state governments, the tournament aims to promote football across the country, especially in the Northeast and Eastern regions.
The inclusion of Kokrajhar and Shillong continues the emphasis on expanding football’s reach to grassroots regions known for producing top Indian talent.
Fans can expect the official fixtures and team announcements in the coming weeks.
With the likes of Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Bengaluru FC, and other ISL giants likely to participate, the tournament promises high-quality football action and the perfect start to the new season.
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