The Durand Cup Trophy Tour was inaugurated in Guwahati, marking the countdown to the tournament featuring 24 teams across five host cities.
Dispur, India Jul 17, 2026 ALN: Assam Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Biswajit Daimary today flagged off the Durand Cup Trophy Tour in the city, marking the countdown to the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup. Guwahati is one of the five host cities for this year’s tournament, which is set to bring together football enthusiasts from across the region and beyond.
The Durand Cup, established in 1888, is one of the oldest football tournaments in the world and holds significant historical importance in the Indian football landscape. It was named after Sir Mortimer Durand, who was the Foreign Secretary of India during the British Raj. The tournament has evolved over the years, adapting to changes in the sport and the socio-political landscape of India. The 135th edition of the tournament is particularly noteworthy as it reflects the growing popularity of football in India, especially in the northeastern states, where the sport has a passionate following.
As part of the nationwide trophy tour, the iconic Durand Cup, President’s Cup, and Simla Trophy will travel across all five host cities, including Kolkata, Shillong, Imphal, Guwahati, and Ranchi. The trophies will be displayed at prominent public locations, giving football fans an opportunity to view the historic silverware up close. This initiative aims to engage local communities and generate excitement ahead of the tournament, fostering a deeper connection between the sport and its supporters.
Addressing the gathering during the flag-off ceremony, Minister Daimary emphasized the importance of football in Assam’s sporting culture. He stated, “Football is deeply rooted in Assam’s sporting culture, and hosting the Durand Cup is both a matter of pride and an opportunity to inspire the next generation. We must move beyond simply identifying talent to creating it through structured grassroots development, quality infrastructure, and sustained institutional commitment.” His remarks highlight a broader vision for enhancing the sporting ecosystem in Assam, which has been recognized for producing talented athletes in various sports.
Minister Daimary's call for investment in youth development resonates with the ongoing efforts to promote sports at the grassroots level in India. The government has been working to improve sports infrastructure and provide more competitive opportunities for young athletes. This includes not only building world-class stadiums but also ensuring that there are adequate playgrounds and training facilities available for children. By collaborating with organizations like the Indian Army, which has historically played a significant role in promoting sports through various initiatives, the government aims to create a robust framework for nurturing talent.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Kausar Jamil Hilaly, Special Secretary of the Sports and Youth Welfare Department; Maj Gen Dinesh Kumar Singh, GOC of the Bengal Sub Area and Vice Chairman of the Durand Cup Organising Committee; Maj Gen Amit Dhir, Chief of Staff of the Gajraj Corps; Brig Anupam Sharma, Commander of the Invictus Brigade; Ankur Bharali, Director of Sports & Youth Welfare in Assam; and NorthEast United FC forward Parthib Gogoi. Their presence underscores the collaborative effort between military and civil authorities in promoting sports and community engagement.
Following the ceremony, the three trophies embarked on a two-day tour of Guwahati, visiting notable landmarks such as the Assam Legislative Assembly and the Bir Lachit Borphukan Statue. The tour is designed to create buzz around the tournament and encourage local participation. On Friday, the trophies will also visit IIT Guwahati and City Centre Mall, further expanding their reach to different segments of the population, including students and families.
The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup is scheduled to kick off on July 25, featuring matches across Kolkata, Shillong, Imphal, Guwahati, and Ranchi. This year’s tournament will see participation from 24 teams, including a foreign side from the Sri Lankan Armed Forces. The inclusion of international teams reflects the tournament's growing stature and its appeal beyond Indian borders. The competition will consist of 43 matches held across six venues, providing ample opportunities for fans to witness high-quality football.
The Durand Cup has historically been a platform for showcasing emerging talent, and this year is expected to be no different. With the participation of various clubs and teams, including those from the Indian Super League and I-League, the tournament will serve as a crucial stage for players to demonstrate their skills and potentially secure opportunities at higher levels of competition.
Moreover, the tournament's organization by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army on behalf of the three Services highlights the military's commitment to sports and community engagement. The Army has a long-standing tradition of promoting sports as a means of fostering camaraderie and discipline, and its involvement in the Durand Cup underscores the importance of sports in building a cohesive society.
As anticipation builds for the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup, the trophy tour serves as a reminder of the rich history and cultural significance of football in India. It not only celebrates the legacy of the tournament but also aims to inspire future generations to embrace the sport, contributing to the development of a vibrant footballing culture in the country. The success of the tournament could have lasting implications for the growth of football in India, potentially leading to increased investment in infrastructure, training, and youth development initiatives.
In conclusion, the Durand Cup Trophy Tour in Guwahati marks an important milestone in the lead-up to the tournament. It reflects the growing enthusiasm for football in the region and highlights the collective efforts of various stakeholders to promote sports at the grassroots level. As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on the participating teams and players, with hopes that the 135th edition of the Durand Cup will be remembered for its competitive spirit and the celebration of football in India.
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