Among the dignitaries in the audience at the unveiling of the Durand Cup trophies were Shri Aroop Biswas (Hon’ble Minister for Sports & Youth Affairs, Power in the Govt. of West Bengal) and Lt. General Kamal Repswal (Chief of Staff, HQ Eastern Command, SM, VSM). The previous edition of the Durand Cup was also conducted in Kolkata in 2019. Gokulam Kerala spoiled the party as they defeated hosts Mohun Bagan 2-1 in the final to take home their first Durand Cup.

Shri Aroop Biswas confirmed that there will be a limited crowd allowed inside the stadiums due to the Covid protocols. Although the state regulations have allowed 50% crowd, the Sports Minister confirmed that the situation will be accessed and only in the latter stages of the tournament will more crowds be allowed inside the stadium. During the media session, he said:

The rich history of the Durand Cup

The Durand Cup was first played in 1888 making it the third-oldest football tournament in the world, only behind the FA Cup and Scottish Cup. Shimla was the initial home of the competition, but the base later shifted to Delhi in 1940. East Bengal and Mohun Bagan have been the most successful teams in this competition, having won 16 titles each.

This time around there is more excitement surrounding the tournament, as a lot of exciting teams are going to play in this prestigious tournament. Kerala Blasters, Bengaluru FC, FC Goa, Jamshedpur FC and Hyderabad FC are the ISL teams that will be playing in the Durand Cup. The first Indian winners of the Durand Cup, Mohammedan Sporting, will be competing alongside fellow I-League clubs Sudeva FC and reigning champions Gokulam Kerala. Young teams like Delhi FC and Bengaluru United will be seen making their Durand Cup debuts this year. Teams like Army Red, Army Green, The Indian Air Force, The Indian Navy, The Assam Rifles and CRPF will also be showcasing their brilliance at the oldest football competition in the country.

The Durand Cup is scheduled to start on September 5, with the final to be played on October 3. The tournament will be played in 3 separate venues namely Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan (VYBK), Mohun Bagan Club Ground and the Kalyani Municipal Stadium Ground.

Fixtures confirmed for 130th edition of Durand Cup

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