Durand Cup 2025: ISL presence halved, Manipur joins as new co-host


The upcoming Durand Cup Could See Participation from Solely Six Indian Tremendous League Groups This Yr, Down From 12 Final Season, However Asia’s Oldest Soccer Match Has Acquired A Important Prize Cash Organizers Introduced on Thursday.

The Decreased Isl Presence May Largely Be As a result of Ongoing Delock Between Soccer Sports activities Improvement Restricted and the All India Soccer Federation (AIFF) Over the renewal of the grasp of the grasp.

The uncertainty has compelled the isl to place its 2025–26 season “on maintain”, creating confusion for franchies about their workforce constructing, schedules and feedback, and leading to fewer isl golf equipment confirming Participation within the Durand Cup, Beginning July 23.

Calling the state of affairs “unprecedented”, Chief of Workers, Headquarters Jap Command, and Chairman of the Durand Cup Organising Committee, Lt Gen Mohit Malhotra, mentioned: “It is all in entrance of you.”

“It will not be approves for us to touch upon this, however what we’re sure of is that each events are dedicated to the event of Indian soccer and we Hope the Matter will likely be resolved quickly.

“So far as the Durand Cup is Involved, We have now Acquired Tremined Assist from FSDL and the Aiff Over the Years and We Stay Grateful to them.”

Lt Gen Malhotra additionally introduced that prize cash this yr has been elevated from lower than Rs 1.2 Crore to Rs 3 Crore, and Three Suvs will likely be awarded to particular person winners.

Particular person Awardees – Just like the Greatest Goalkeeper, Golden Boot, and Golden Ball Winners – Will Obtain Suvs.

The champion workforce will likely be invited to rashtrapati bhavan, the place the president will hand over the president’s cup.

Solely Six Isl Groups – Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mohammedan Sporting, Jamshedpur FC, Punjab FC and Defending Champions Northeast United FC – Have Confirmed Their Participation this yr.

However the Match could have two international groups Tribhuwan Military FC (NEPAL) and Armed Forces (Malaysia) – UP from one final yr.

Kolkata will host 15 matches, together with the group a and b league fixedrs, one Quarter-Remaining, One Semi-Remaining and the Summit Conflict on August 23.

Town can even for the primary time

East Bengal and South United FC will kick off the month-long match on July 23 on the salt lake stadium.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Bnerjee will inaugurate the Occasion, State Sports activities Minister Arup Biswas Stated.

“It has returned to its former glory in the previous couple of years. That is the sixth time it is being assist in kolkata,” Biswas mentioned.

Addressing previous stories of Dissatismsfaction Amongst Metropolis Golf equipment Over Complimentary Tickets, Lt Gen Malhotra Stated: “These stories are incorrect. Obtain 5,200 Complimentary Passes. “

For the primary time, the match can even even be assist in manipur, with the khuman lampak most important stadium internet hosting the group f matches.

Requested About Safety Issues in Manipur Amid Prevailing Tensions, Lt Gen Malhotra Stated: “There may be lots of vibrancy there – we noticed that trophy unveiling.”

“Let me guarantee you that every one well being measures are in place in manipur for the secure well being of the match. Seven Members of the Indian Soccer Workforce. We’re assured of a profitable outing there. “

– Ends

Revealed by:

Debodinna chakraborty

Revealed on:

Jul 17, 2025