In a moment rich with legacy and national pride, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, flagged off the three iconic Durand Cup trophies from the Rashtrapati Bhawan Cultural Centre, officially commencing the 134th edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup — Asia’s oldest and India’s most prestigious football tournament.
This marks the second consecutive year the President has carried out the ceremonial flag-off, reinforcing the Durand Cup’s continued significance as a unique blend of sport, service, and national identity. The event also upholds a longstanding post-independence tradition of direct association between the President and the Durand Cup.
The ceremony was attended by General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff; General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff; Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff; Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Chief of the Air Staff; Lt General R.C. Tiwari, GOC-in-C Eastern Command and Patron of the Durand Cup Organizing Committee (DCOC); and celebrated footballer and Arjuna Awardee Sandesh Jhingan.
In her address, President Murmu described the Durand Cup as a living symbol of India’s rich football heritage and a testament to the Armed Forces’ dedication to sports. “Football holds a special place in the hearts of millions. It is not just a sport — it is a passion, built on teamwork, strategy, and resilience. The Durand Cup helps nurture young footballers and promote the values of unity and discipline,” she said.
General Anil Chauhan highlighted the tournament’s importance, calling it a “legacy of valour, discipline, and unity” that mirrors the finest traditions of the Armed Forces. “We are honoured by the President’s presence as we begin another chapter in this historic journey,” he said.
Lt General R.C. Tiwari emphasized the tournament’s developmental role for young athletes. “The Durand Cup, conducted by the Indian Army on behalf of the Armed Forces, is more than just football. It’s a celebration of India’s unity in diversity and a platform for building character through sport,” he stated.
Sharing his experiences, Sandesh Jhingan noted, “Today, we celebrate more than just trophies — we honour a tradition. The Durand Cup has helped shape the future of Indian football, thanks to the Armed Forces’ dedication and support.”
Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar, GOC Delhi Area and Chairman of the Standing Working Committee of the Durand Football Tournament Society, added, “The Durand Society has long championed football excellence in India. We extend best wishes to all teams for spirited competition.”
This year, the three revered trophies — the Durand Cup, the President’s Cup, and the Shimla Trophy — will embark on a multi-city Trophy Tour covering the tournament’s five host states: West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, Meghalaya, and Manipur.
Notably, the 134th edition is once again being proudly hosted at the iconic Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in Imphal — a joint initiative of the Indian Armed Forces and the Government of Manipur — underlining the growing role of the Northeast in shaping Indian football.
The tournament kicks off on July 23, 2025, and will conclude with the grand finale on August 23, 2025.
