President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday felicitated NorthEast United FC for their historic triumph in the recently-concluded 134th edition of the Durand Cup, Asia’s oldest football tournament.
Murmu also presented the President’s Cup –one of the three iconic trophies awarded to the champions – to the NEUFC team at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
NEUFC romped to a 6-1 win over Diamond Harbour FC at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday to successfully defend their title in a landmark achievement.
With this emphatic win, the Highlanders became the first club since East Bengal’s three-peat in 1989, 1990, and 1991 to successfully defend the prestigious Durand Cup title. They achieved this impressive feat under the stewardship of Juan Pedro Benali.
Instituted in 1956 by India’s first president Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the President’s Cup has stood as a symbol of excellence and honour, reinforcing the tournament’s deep ties with the nation’s heritage.
The president handed over the trophy to NEUFC owner John Abraham, captain Redeem Tlang and CEO Mandar Tamhane in the presence of dignitaries and members of the Durand Football Tournament Society and the Durand Cup organising committee.
The ceremony not only celebrated NEUFC’s achievement but also highlighted the enduring legacy of the Indian armed forces in nurturing football and strengthening national unity.
NEUFC owner John Abraham expressed his gratitude to the president for the recognition and lauded the Indian armed forces for their role in preserving the Durand Cup’s legacy.
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He particularly commended the Eastern Command for elevating the tournament to new heights and their dedicated efforts in nurturing football talent across the east and northeast, thereby contributing significantly to the growth of Indian football.
