Kolkata, July 25: Kolkata, the ‘City of Joy’, welcomed the 133rd IndianOil Durand Cup with their usual football-crazy enthusiasm, as the three coveted trophies were proudly displayed at the Fort William, Headquarters of the Eastern Command of the Indian Army. The opening ceremonial event in the city which will be hosting its fifth Durand Cup final in succession this year saw the august presence of Shri Aroop Biswas, Hon’ble Minster of Youth Services & Sports, Housing and Power, Government of West Bengal, Mr. Manoj Tiwary Minister of State for Youth Services and Sports, and Shri Rajesh Sinha, IAS Principal Secretary Department of Youth Services and Sports Govt of West Bengal Also present on the occasion were Lt General RC Srikanth, VSM, Chief of Staff, HQ Eastern Command, Chairman Durand Cup Organising Committee (DCOC) and Major General Rajesh Arun Moghe, VSM GOC Bengal Sub Area, Vice Chairman DCOC.
The opening match of this year’s tournament will be played between defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giants and Downtown Heroes FC of Srinagar on July 27th at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK), popularly known as the Saltlake stadium by locals and fans alike. Kolkata will host three groups just like last time, and a total of 22 matches across the two venues of VYBK and the Kishore Bharati Krirangan (KBK) in the southern part of the city.
Lt General RC Srikanth, VSM, Chief of Staff, HQ Eastern Command and Chairman, Durand Cup Organizing Committee, said, “The Indian Army is extremely proud to host this prestigious tournament and this time it is wonderful to see the reach of Durand spreading to as many as four states in this region. Kolkata of course is synonymous with football and its popularity here is legendary. We are extremely thankful to the State Government of West Bengal for supporting this initiative since 2019. On behalf of Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari, UYSM, AVSM, SM, GOC-in-C Eastern Command and Patron, Durand Cup Organising Committee, I wish the organizing committee, sponsors, players and everyone involved in this year’s tournament all the very best.” Major General Rajesh A Moghe sharing his thoughts; said, “Hosting the Durand Cup in Kolkata has been thrilling for the city and its football fans. We are confident that the football-loving state of West Bengal is ready for the spectacular matches and the Grand finale. I am sure the youth will be immensely inspired by watching their favorite players in live action. On behalf of Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari GOC-in-C Eastern Command and Patron of the Durand Cup Organising Committee, I thank the Chief Guest, the State Govt, the Teams, the Sponsors and players and everyone involved in this year’s tournament.
Addressing the audience, Shri Aroop Biswas said, “Our association with Durand Cup goes way beyond just hosting the tournament. Durand Cup has now become a part of our culture and legacy I hope that this association continues for a long time. The association between the Indian Army and the Government of West Bengal has been wonderful over the years and with the tournament getting bigger and better every year, it is proof of how successful the association has been. We look forward to some competitive and exciting football matches in the coming days and wish all visiting teams and guests a wonderful time at Kolkata.” Also expressing his thoughts on the occasion was former Indian cricketer and Minister of State for Youth Services and Sports Shri. Manoj Tiwary, said, “The IndianOil Durand Cup is now one of the prides of the city and is an occasion where all the city’s football-loving fans get together to celebrate the spirit of the game. I
once again congratulate the Indian Army and our state leadership led by Smt. Mamata Banerjee, for having the vision to bring the Durand Cup to this part of the country. I look forward to some exciting games, particularly the Kolkata derby on August 18. I wish everyone concerned all the very best.” Of the six groups, Groups A, B, and C will be hosted in Kolkata, with the biggest Kolkata Clubs, Mohun Bagan Super Giants, and Emami East Bengal in Group A along with Downtown Heroes FC and Indian Air Force Football Team.
Group B consists of 2022 champions Bengaluru FC, Kolkata giants and latest entrant to the ISL, Mohammedan SC, I-League side Inter Kashi FC and the Indian Navy Football Team while Group C will see ISL Trophy Winners Mumbai City FC along with fellow ISL sides Kerala Blasters FC and Punjab FC. Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Protectors XI is the fourth team in Group C.
All matches of the IndianOil Durand Cup will be broadcast LIVE on the Sony Sports Network and can also be live-streamed on the SonyLiv OTT platform. A total of 24 teams, including an Army team from Nepal, will be seen in action across 43 matches, which will be played in the four host cities of Kokrajhar, Shillong, and Jamshedpur (the last two named making their debut as host cities) and Kolkata. The last named will also host the grand final on August 31st at the hallowed Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK).
