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The Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata is set to come alive as the 134th edition of the Durand Cup kicks off on Wednesday with a high-stakes encounter between Emami East Bengal and debutant South United FC. As one of Asia’s oldest and most prestigious football tournaments begins, fans can expect a compelling mix of tradition, opportunity, and unpredictability.
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This year’s tournament promises fresh narratives, especially with 24 teams vying for glory across five cities. With the Indian Super League (ISL) schedule still clouded by uncertainty, the absence of several big-name ISL clubs has paved the way for underdogs and lower-division sides to shine, increasing the intrigue of the 2025 edition.
A Legacy Rekindled at the Salt Lake Stadium
The opening ceremony at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium will be a grand affair, graced by the presence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, highlighting the cultural and sporting significance of the Durand Cup to the region. With the state government playing a key role in promoting the event, the atmosphere promises to be festive, echoing the historic roots of a tournament that dates back to 1888.
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East Bengal, one of Indian football’s most storied clubs, will take the field under the lights in front of a passionate home crowd. The club has a long and decorated history in the Durand Cup, having won it 16 times, with their last triumph coming in 2004. Under the banner of Emami East Bengal, the team enters the tournament as one of the favourites, with pressure to perform and reclaim old glory.
David vs Goliath: A Debut to Remember for South United FC
Their opponents, South United FC, may be making their Durand Cup debut, but they’re unlikely to be overawed by the occasion. Based out of Bengaluru, South United has been a steady presence in the I-League 2 circuit and developmental football. Their inclusion is not just symbolic of the tournament’s growing inclusivity but also reflects the growing pool of competitive clubs in Indian football’s lower tiers.
The clash between East Bengal and South United is not merely a tournament opener but a battle of legacy versus aspiration. For South United, the match represents a chance to showcase their potential on the national stage. For East Bengal, it is about maintaining dominance and meeting the expectations of their fervent fanbase.
A Reshaped Durand Cup: A Tournament of Opportunity
The 2025 edition of the Durand Cup sees a 24-team field divided into six groups of four. This includes six Indian Super League teams: Emami East Bengal, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Mohammedan Sporting SC, NorthEast United FC, Jamshedpur FC, and Punjab FC. Each of these clubs brings with them different narratives, ambitions, and fan expectations.
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The reduced ISL participation — attributed to uncertainty around the ISL’s scheduling for the 2025–26 season — has left a notable void, but it has also opened the door for emerging clubs to step up. I-League teams and clubs from I-League 2 are well represented, as are the institutional sides — including teams from the Services and Paramilitary forces, who have long been part of the Durand tradition.
Two foreign teams add an international flavour to the competition: Tribhuvan Army FC from Nepal and a combined team from the Malaysian Armed Forces. Their inclusion strengthens the tournament’s appeal and restores a once-regular practice of international participation in the Durand Cup.
Geography of the Games: Spanning Five Cities
Unlike most domestic football competitions in India, the Durand Cup 2025 is spread across five venues: Kolkata, Jamshedpur, Shillong, Kokrajhar, and Imphal. This multi-city format aims to bring top-level football to diverse regions and deepen the game’s grassroots reach.
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Kolkata will host two groups, including the group featuring the city’s big three: East Bengal, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, and Mohammedan Sporting.
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Jamshedpur, home to one of the ISL’s more consistent sides, provides a solid eastern base for matches.
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Shillong and Imphal, two cities with rich footballing cultures, represent the vibrant football scene of the North-East.
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Kokrajhar, a relatively new venue on the national stage, will further decentralize football hosting and provide a fresh experience for fans and players alike.
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Tournament Format and What Lies Ahead
Each team will play three league matches in the group stage. From the six groups, the top team in each group will qualify for the quarterfinals, along with the two best second-placed teams. The knockout stage will then proceed with quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final.
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The new format puts a premium on early performances. With only eight out of 24 teams advancing beyond the group stage, every goal, every point, and every tactical decision will carry significant weight.
Spotlight on Kolkata’s Big Three
With all three of Kolkata’s footballing powerhouses — East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, and Mohammedan Sporting — in the mix, the city is bound to witness a revival of fierce rivalries. The possibility of another Kolkata Derby in the Durand Cup knockout stage is tantalizing for fans and broadcasters alike.
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East Bengal, after a mixed ISL campaign last season, will look to use the Durand Cup as a launchpad for a stronger 2025-26 season. The club’s new signings and tactical tweaks under head coach Carles Cuadrat will be closely observed.
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Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the defending ISL champions, will be another heavyweight presence, although questions remain about their squad rotation due to possible international commitments.
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Mohammedan Sporting, an I-League side with deep roots in the city, has often punched above its weight in domestic cups and is likely to field a competitive squad with a blend of youth and experience.
Durand’s Role in India’s Football Ecosystem
Over the decades, the Durand Cup has transitioned from being India’s premier football competition to a pre-season platform and talent showcase. Yet, it has always retained its cultural significance and historical prestige. In recent years, the Indian Army and the All India Football Federation have worked together to rebrand the Durand Cup as a crucial fixture in the Indian football calendar.
What makes the tournament especially relevant in 2025 is the opportunity it offers to emerging talents, young players from ISL academies, and unknown names from lower divisions to catch the eye of scouts and coaches. As Indian football continues to grow, tournaments like the Durand Cup become vital in ensuring a broad and inclusive development path.
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