Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], July 17 (ANI): The 134thDurand Cup Organizing Committee (DCOC) stated that the overall cash prize fund for this year's tournament will triple to ₹3 Crore. The announcement was made during the trophy presentation ceremony in Kolkata as the City of Joy prepared to host Asia's oldest football competition. In addition to the winners and runners-up, teams that reach the semi-finals and quarterfinals, as well as three individual awards, will also receive a portion of the prize money, according to a statement.Durand Cup.
The three awards of theDurand Cupwere displayed here at AOI Vijay Durg in the presence ofAroop Biswas, Minister-in-Charge, Department of Power, Housing, Youth Services & Sports, Government of West Bengal, who served as the Chief Guest at the event. Also in attendance wereRajesh Kumar SinhaIAS, Principal Secretary, Housing, Youth Services & Sports, Disaster Management & Civil Defence Department, Government of West Bengal, Lt Gen Mohit Malhotra AVSM, SM, Chief of Staff HQ Eastern Command and ChairmanDurand CupPlanning Committee and Maj Gen Rajesh Arun Moghe VSM, General Officer Commanding Bengal Sub Area and Vice-Chairman ofDurand Cup Organising Committee.
The three shining items of silverware, theDurand Cup, the original prize and the rollingShimla Trophy(unveiled by Shimla residents in 1904), along with the President's Cup, which the victors retain permanently, were presented by the honored guests.
Speaking on the occasion Aroop Biswas, said, "With more media attention scheduled for theDurand Cupand the Honorable Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attending the grand finale on August 23rd, the ambiance is expected to be vibrant. Ticket distributions for prominent clubs suchMohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mohammedan SC, and Diamond Harbour FC have also been confirmed to ensure robust fan presence. A ticket allocation of 5,000 each has been set aside forMohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mohammedan SC, and Diamond Harbour FC to maintain an energetic supporter presence in the audience. We extend our best wishes to all the teams as they take part in Asia's oldest and most renowned football competition," as stated in a press release byDurand Cup.
Rajesh Kumar Sinha IAS mentioned, "The Durand Cuphas returned to its former glory over the past six years following its hosting in Kolkata. The government has also invested ₹15 Cr on theDurand CupThe significant role played by all departments in West Bengal, under the forward-thinking leadership of Chief Minister Smt. Mamta Banerjee, who are eager to support the seamless organization of the tournament, is highly valuable.
Additionally, speaking at the event, Lt Gen Mohit Malhotra said, "I am pleased to announce that this year's tournament has greatly increased its prize money, rising from below ₹1.2 Cr in previous years to over ₹3 Cr now. Moreover, three new SUVs will be awarded to the top individual performers. This demonstrates our increasing dedication to recognizing outstanding performance and drawing the finest talent from throughout the country. With its enthusiastic supporters, historic clubs, and exceptional football culture, Kolkata continues to be the spiritual center of the sport in India. We sincerely appreciate the Chief Minister of West Bengal, the State Sports Minister, the Department of Sports, and all relevant government departments for their consistent support in enabling this phase of the tournament. Since 2019, under the guidance of HQ Eastern Command, the tournament has expanded not only in size but also in reputation, credibility, and professional standards."
Major General Rajesh Arun Moghe expressed his views, "This year, the tournament will proceed with the League-cum-Knockout system that has worked effectively for us. A total of 24 teams, split into six groups, will take part across five states, with two groups playing their games right here in Kolkata. Kolkata will host 15 matches, including one quarterfinal, semifinal, and the final match. We are also pleased to offer a platform for four emerging local teams: 1-Ladakh FC, South United FC, Bodoland FC, and Rangdajied United FC. I would like to sincerely thank the Sports and related departments of the Government of West Bengal, the Kolkata Police, and all our partners and sponsors, IOCL, SBI, CIL, and Sony, whose support reflects a common dedication to football and our youth."
Kolkata will be the venue for two groups and a total of 15 matches, featuring a quarterfinal, semifinal, and the final, all taking place at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) and the Kishore Bharati Krirangan (KBK). EmamiEast BengalFC, Indian Air Force FT andDurand CupFirst-time participants Namdhari FC and South United FC, based in Bengaluru, are placed in Group A, withEast Bengaland South United FC competing against each other in the first game of the competition on July 23rd at VYBK.
Last year's runners up Mohun BaganSuper Big, another prominent team from KolkataMohammedan SC, Border Security Force FT and another Kolkata team Diamond Harbour FC will be competing in Group B, featuring the Kolkata derby betweenMohun Bagan Super Giant and Mohammedan SCwill take place on July 31st at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan. (ANI)