Durand Trophy tour Kicks off in Guwahati
Shubhamita Bhattacharjee
Published on July 16, 2026
GUWAHATI: Guwahati on Wednesday joined the build-up to the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup as the trophy tour reached the city, signalling the start of festivities ahead of Asia's oldest football tournament. Assam Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Biswajit Daimary formally flagged off the tour, with the city set to host matches during the competition beginning later this month.
The Durand Cup, President's Cup and Simla Trophy will travel across all five host cities before the tournament gets underway, allowing football fans to view the coveted silverware at important public locations.
Calling football an inseparable part of Assam's sporting heritage, Daimary said hosting the Durand Cup was both a privilege and an opportunity to inspire young athletes. He stressed that the future of Indian football depends on systematic grassroots development, improved infrastructure and regular competitive exposure for budding players.
"Football has always been an integral part of Assam's sporting identity. Hosting the Durand Cup is not only an honour but also an opportunity to motivate young players. Beyond identifying talent, we must focus on nurturing it through better infrastructure, grassroots programmes and continuous institutional support. Alongside world-class stadiums, we need more playgrounds and competitive platforms for children. With collective efforts and support from organisations like the Indian Army, India can become a stronger footballing nation," the minister said.
General Officer Commanding Bengal Sub Area and Vice Chairman of the Durand Cup Organising Committee, Maj Gen Dinesh Kumar Singh, described the tournament as a major platform for promoting football in the North-East. He said the organisers, in partnership with the Assam Government, remain committed to creating opportunities for local players and strengthening the country's football ecosystem.
NorthEast United FC forward Parthib Gogoi, representing the defending champions, said last year's triumph in the Durand Cup had reinforced the squad's belief and determination. He expressed confidence that the Highlanders would be motivated to retain the title with the support of fans in Guwahati.
Among those present at the ceremony were Sports and Youth Welfare Department of Assam Special Secretary Kausar Jamil Hilaly, Chief of Staff of Gajraj Corps Maj Gen Amit Dhir, Commander of Invictus Brigade Brig Anupam Sharma, Director of Sports and Youth Welfare of Assam Ankur Bharali, along with senior officials from the Indian Army and the State Government.
After the flag-off, the three trophies embarked on a two-day tour of Guwahati. The itinerary includes visits to the Assam Legislative Assembly, Bir Lachit Borphukan Statue, IIT Guwahati and City Centre Mall before the trophies move to the next host city.
The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup will kick off on July 25 and will be played across Kolkata, Shillong, Imphal, Guwahati and Ranchi. A total of 24 teams, including a side from the Sri Lankan Armed Forces, will compete in 43 matches organised by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army on behalf of the three Services.
PHOTO: Subhamoy Bhattacharjee
