New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday (July 4) unveiled the trophies of the Durand Cup Tournament 2025 at a ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre.
The 2025 edition of the Durand Cup will be held from July 23 to August 23 across six venues in West Bengal, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Jharkhand.
Organised by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army on behalf of the three Services, the tournament features matchups between Services teams and some of India’s top football clubs. In recent editions, the Durand Cup has also witnessed international participation, with Army teams from neighbouring countries joining the competition.
The President said that sports promote discipline, determination and team spirit.
Speaking during the event, Murmu said, “Sports have the unique power to connect people, regions and countries. In India, it has been a powerful tool for national integration. All fellow citizens get thrilled when the tricolour flies at the Olympics or any international event.”
Highlighting the enduring popularity of football, President Murmu said the sport is more than a game – it is a passion that inspires millions. “Football is about strategy, endurance, and teamwork. Events like the Durand Cup nurture this spirit and provide a vital platform for emerging talent,” she added.
She appreciated the role of the Armed Forces in keeping alive and promoting the spirit of the Durand Cup, Asia’s oldest football tournament, which continues to play a key role in developing the sport in India.
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Kokrajhar in Assam will extend its status as Durand Cup hosts for the third consecutive year. Jamshedpur in Jharkhand and Shillong in Meghalaya were added as hosts last year.
