President Murmu unveils Durand Cup trophies

The 2025 edition of the Durand Cup will be held from July 23 to August 23 across six venues in West Bengal, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Jharkhand. President Droupadi Murmu unveiled the trophies of Durand Cup Tournament 2025 at a ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday, July 4, 2025. Organised by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army on behalf of the three Services, the tournament features matchups between Services teams and some of India’s top football clubs. In recent editions, the Durand Cup has also witnessed international participation, with Army teams from neighbouring countries joining the competition. Speaking at the event, the President emphasized the unifying power of sports, highlighting how they promote discipline, determination, and team spirit. “Sports have the unique power to connect people, regions, and countries. In India, they serve as a powerful tool for national integration,” she said, noting the collective pride felt when the Indian tricolour is raised at international events. She also lauded the role of the Armed Forces in sustaining and promoting the legacy of the Durand Cup, Asia’s oldest football tournament, which continues to play a key role in developing the sport in India.