Football

President Droupadi Murmu unveiled the prestigious Durand Cup, President's Cup, and Shimla Trophy at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. The 133rd edition of the Durand Cup football tournament, the season opener of Indian Football, will kick off on July 27 with the final scheduled for August 31.The President emphasized the popularity of football worldwide and urged football enthusiasts to work towards elevating the sport's standards in India. The tournament will feature 24 teams, including representatives from the Indian Super League, I-League, invitational teams, and Armed Forces teams. International teams are also expected to participate.The tournament will be played in a round-robin league-cum-knockout format, with 43 matches scheduled. The 24 teams will be divided into six groups, with the group toppers and two best second-placed sides qualifying for the knockout stage.Kolkata will host three groups, while Kokrajhar, Shillong, and Jamshedpur will each host one group. The three coveted Durand Trophies will embark on a nationwide tour from New Delhi on July 10 before arriving in Kolkata ahead of the opening game on July 27.Mohun Bagan Super Giant are the defending champions, having won the tournament a record 17th time last year. The tournament is expected to attract a large number of football fans and provide a platform for young players to showcase their skills.

The Durand Cup, Asia's oldest football tournament, will return for its 133rd edition from July 27 to August 31, 2023. The tournament will feature 43 matches played in a round-robin league-cum-knockout format across four venues: Kolkata, Kokrajhar, Shillong, and Jamshedpur.The 24 participating teams will be divided into six groups, with the group toppers and two best second-placed sides advancing to the knockout stage. The opening match and the final will be held at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) in Kolkata.Defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant will be looking to retain their title, having won the tournament a record 17 times. Other Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League teams will also be competing, along with invitational teams.The Durand Cup has a rich history, dating back to 1888. It is one of the most prestigious football tournaments in India and has been won by some of the country's top clubs, including East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, and Bengaluru FC.In recent years, the tournament has been expanded to include international teams. Last year, Bangladesh's Bashundhara Kings participated, and this year, more international teams are expected to join the fray.The addition of Jamshedpur and Shillong as host venues is a significant step in the tournament's growth. It will help spread the tournament's reach to new regions and attract a wider audience.The Durand Cup is not just a football tournament; it is a celebration of Indian football. It brings together teams from all over the country and provides a platform for young players to showcase their talent. The tournament is also a major boost for the local economy, generating revenue for hotels, restaurants, and other businesses.

Emami East Bengal has bolstered its squad ahead of the upcoming football season by signing French midfielder Madih Talal on a two-year contract. Talal, who previously played for Punjab FC, was the top assist provider in the Indian Super League (ISL) last season.The attacking midfielder joins Dimitrios Diamantakos to strengthen East Bengal's attacking options. The club has also retained the services of Brazilian forward Cleiton Silva, Jordanian defender Hijazi Maher, and Spanish midfielder Saul Crespo.East Bengal has also added to its Indian roster by signing forward David Lalhlansanga and midfielder Mark Zothanpuia. The club has extended the contract of India international Mahesh Singh Naorem.The signings are part of East Bengal's efforts to improve its performance after finishing ninth in the ISL last season. The club will be playing in the Durand Cup, scheduled to start in the final week of July, before hosting the AFC Champions League Two preliminary stage match against Turkmenistan's Altyn Asyr FC on August 14 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.

Mohun Bagan, the Kolkata giants, stand on the cusp of history as they prepare to face Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) final on Saturday. The Mariners have already secured the Durand Cup and the League Winners Shield this season, and a victory in the ISL would complete a historic treble.The match will be played at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium, which is expected to be packed with 62,000 partisan Mohun Bagan fans. The atmosphere is sure to be electric as the Mariners look to cap off their fairytale season with a memorable triumph.Mohun Bagan's journey to the final has been a remarkable one. After a disappointing start to the season, they appointed Antonio Habas as their head coach, and the Spaniard has transformed the team's fortunes. Under Habas, the Mariners have played with a renewed sense of purpose and determination, and they have been virtually unstoppable in recent months.Mumbai City FC, on the other hand, will be looking to spoil Mohun Bagan's party. The Islanders have been one of the most consistent teams in the ISL, and they will be confident of their chances of winning the title. Mumbai City FC have already defeated Mohun Bagan once this season, in the ISL semi-finals, and they will be hoping to repeat that performance in the final.The match is expected to be a close and exciting affair. Both teams have quality players in their ranks, and they will be desperate to win the ISL title. Mohun Bagan will be buoyed by the support of their home crowd, but Mumbai City FC will be determined to prove that they are the best team in the league.