Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, Jul 17: The 133rd edition of the Durand Cup, Asia’s oldest football tournament, is set to begin on July 23 with expanded prize money, new venues, and increased international participation. However, the buildup is overshadowed by ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Indian Super League (ISL).

Only six ISL clubs will compete this year — Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mohammedan Sporting, Jamshedpur FC, Punjab FC, and defending champions NorthEast United FC — a steep decline from 12 last year. The drop follows a standoff between Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) over renewing the Master Rights Agreement, putting the ISL 2025–26 season on hold and affecting club planning.

Calling the situation “unprecedented,” Lt Gen Mohit Malhotra, Chairman of the Durand Cup Organising Committee, said both parties are committed to Indian football’s growth and expressed hope for resolution. Despite the turbulence, he reaffirmed the Durand Cup's importance, announcing an increased prize purse of Rs 3 crore, up from under Rsr 1.2 crore last year. Top players will also receive SUVs for individual honours like Best Goalkeeper, Golden Boot, and Golden Ball.

In a symbolic highlight, the winning team will be hosted at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where the President of India will present the prestigious President’s Cup — a long-standing tradition.

This edition will also debut in Manipur, with Group F matches at Imphal’s Khuman Lampak Main Stadium. Amid concerns about regional tensions, Lt Gen Malhotra assured of full security arrangements and cited local support from icons like Thoiba Singh and Mirabai Chanu.

Kolkata remains the tournament’s epicentre, hosting 15 matches, including the final on August 23. The opening match, East Bengal vs South United FC, will be held at Salt Lake Stadium, inaugurated by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Local participation includes four Kolkata clubs, among them newly-promoted Diamond Harbour FC.

Addressing reports about club dissatisfaction over complimentary tickets, Malhotra clarified that each club will receive 5,200 free passes as per agreement.

Adding an international edge, two foreign teams — Tribhuwan Army FC (Nepal) and Armed Forces (Malaysia) — will compete this year, doubling last season’s overseas presence and reinforcing the tournament’s global appeal.

Despite the ISL’s uncertain future, the Durand Cup continues its legacy as a beacon of Indian football’s tradition, resilience, and evolution.