Tentative fixtures for the 134th IndianOil Durand Cup have been released, with the tournament scheduled to kick off on July 23 and conclude on August 23. In a significant development, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, who were earlier reported to have withdrawn, have been included following last-minute negotiations, as per reports.
Seven ISL clubs — Chennaiyin FC, FC Goa, Kerala Blasters FC, Bengaluru FC, Hyderabad FC, Odisha FC and Mumbai City FC — have opted out of the competition due to uncertainty surrounding the scheduling of the upcoming ISL season.
Tentative Fixtures:
The participating ISL clubs this year include Mohun Bagan SG, East Bengal FC, Mohammedan SC, NorthEast United FC, Punjab FC, and Jamshedpur FC. I-League 2 champions, Diamond Harbour FC, who earned promotion to the I-League this season, are set to make their Durand Cup debut. According to the tentative groupings, they have been drawn alongside Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan SC.
As per the provisional schedule, East Bengal are slated to face new entrants South United FC in the tournament opener on July 23, while Mohun Bagan SG are scheduled to lock horns with Mohammedan SC on July 31 in one of the most anticipated fixtures of the group stage.
For the first time in its illustrious history, the Durand Cup will be held across five states — West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, Meghalaya, and Manipur — underlining its growing national footprint.
Adding to the excitement, Shillong Lajong FC and Rangdajied United FC, two prominent clubs from Shillong, will feature in this edition. A special highlight will be the Manipur derby between NEROCA FC and TRAU FC, bringing local rivalries to the national stage.
Additionally, two foreign teams are expected to participate, though their names are yet to be confirmed by the tournament committee. Sources indicated that minor changes to the current fixture may still occur before the tournament commences.
In a ceremonial gesture, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, flagged off the three iconic Durand Cup trophies from the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre (RBCC), officially marking the beginning of the 134th edition of Asia’s oldest football tournament.
This is the second consecutive year that the President has performed this symbolic act, reaffirming the tournament’s significance as a unique confluence of sport, service, and nationhood. The event also continues the long-standing tradition of direct association between the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and the Durand Cup.
Addressing the gathering, President Murmu described the Durand Cup as a “living symbol of India’s footballing heritage and the Armed Forces’ enduring sporting commitment,” she remarked,
“Football holds a special place in the hearts of millions. It is not just a sport; it is a passion. The game of football is all about strategy, endurance, and teamwork. Events like the Durand Cup not only foster the spirit of the game but also help develop the next generation of football players by giving them a platform to grow.”
She also lauded the Armed Forces for their crucial role in preserving and promoting the legacy of the Durand Cup.