Durand Cup Returns With 24 Teams Across Five Cities

Imphal: The 135th Durand Cup starts July 25. Twenty-four teams will fight for the title across five host cities before the August 23 final in Kolkata. This year features a mix of Indian Super League clubs, Services squads, and seven tournament newcomers.

Kolkata remains the heartbeat of the competition. It hosts the opener, two group stages, a pair of quarter-finals, one semi-final, and the final at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. Ranchi joins the rotation as a first-time host city.

Manipur takes the stage at Khuman Lampak Stadium from July 28. Local teams TRAU FC and NEROCA FC join the Indian Navy and debutants FC Raengdai. Guwahati gets its turn at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium from August 1 to August 13. Defending champions NorthEast United FC headline the Assam leg alongside FC1, Bodoland FC, and Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC.

The Indian Army organizes the event on behalf of the three Services. Officials note the tournament is "continuing its legacy of promoting Indian football while expanding its reach across the country." Shillong will also host league action plus one semi-final matchup.

Seven teams are entering the tournament for the first time. The list of debutants includes Defenders FC of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces, Nongkseh Sports, Social and Cultural Club, Baghpat FC, Samaleswari Sporting, and Mumbay FC.