Keeping the century-long tradition intact, Durand Cup is an annual domestic football competition in India
President Droupadi Murmu today unveiled and flagged off the Trophies of the Durand Cup Tournament 2025 at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre.
Sports promote discipline, determination and team spirit and has the unique power to connect people, regions and countries, she said.
“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, she added
The President said that football has 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 working together towards a common goal. Events like the Durand Cup not only foster the spirit of the game but also help develop the next generation of football players, providing them with a platform to grow,” she said, appreciating the role of the Armed Forces in keeping alive and promoting the spirit of the Durand Cup.
The Durand Cup is an annual domestic football competition in India which was first held in 1888 in Annandale, Shimla
Hosted by the Durand Football Tournament Society (DFTS) and the All India Football Federation (AIFF), the Durand Cup is the oldest existing club football tournament in Asia and the fifth oldest national football competition in the world.
The tournament currently serves as the curtain raiser for every Indian football season and is open for any national club, with guest invitee teams from different sections of the Indian Armed Forces, keeping the century long tradition intact.
