President Droupadi Murmu unveiled the trophies for the 2025 Durand Cup Tournament at a ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre. The event on July 4, 2025, marked the launch of the 134th edition of Asia's oldest football tournament. The trophies unveiled included the Durand Cup, the President's Cup, and the Shimla Trophy.
In her address, President Murmu highlighted the unifying power of sports, stating that it transcends boundaries and connects people, regions, and countries. She emphasized that in India, sports have been a powerful tool for national integration, evoking a sense of pride and unity among citizens when the national flag is raised at international events like the Olympics.
President Murmu acknowledged football's special place in the hearts of millions, describing it as more than just a sport but a passion. She noted the game's emphasis on strategy, endurance, and teamwork, emphasizing that events like the Durand Cup foster the spirit of the game and provide a platform for the development of the next generation of football players. She also lauded the Armed Forces for their role in preserving and promoting the spirit of the Durand Cup.
The President extended her best wishes to all participants in the 2024 Durand Cup Tournament, encouraging them to uphold healthy competition and respect for their opponents, regardless of the outcome. She acknowledged the intensity of the game but urged players to channel their emotions constructively and perform to the best of their abilities, expressing confidence that they would demonstrate determination and sportsmanship. President Murmu also called upon football enthusiasts to contribute to raising the standard of football in India.
The 2025 edition of the Durand Cup is scheduled to be held from July 22 to August 23. The tournament will consist of 13 Indian Super League (ISL) teams, five I-League teams, three services teams, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Service Force (CISF), two local teams, and service teams from Bangladesh and Nepal. The matches will be held across five states, with Manipur's capital, Imphal, hosting matches again after a two-year absence. The venues include the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan and Kishore Bharati Krirangan (Kolkata), JRD Tata Sports Complex (Jamshedpur), Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Shillong), and SAI Stadium (Kokrajhar).
The Durand Cup is not just a tournament; it is steeped in history, tradition, and culture. The unveiling of the trophies symbolizes the commencement of a sporting event that embodies the values of sportsmanship, unity, and national pride, inspiring players and fans alike to contribute to the growth and development of football in India.
