Jamshedpur set to host Durand Cup for the first time in July

• 133^rd edition to kick -off on July 27
• Venues – Kolkata, Kokrajhar, Shillong and Jamshedpur
• 24 teams shall fight for the three coveted Durand Trophies
• Jamshedpur and Shillong shall host the tournament for the first time

Jamshedpur, July 2: For the first time in its storied history, Jamshedpur will play host to the prestigious Durand Cup, Asia’s oldest football tournament. The 133rd edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup is set to kick off on July 27, 2024, and promises to bring an exciting array of football talent to the city. This landmark event was announced by the HQ Eastern Command of the Indian Army, on behalf of the Durand Football Tournament Society (DFTS), which is responsible for organizing this year’s edition.

Continuing its mission to broaden the reach of the Durand Cup, the tournament will now include Jamshedpur and Shillong as new host cities, alongside Kokrajhar in Assam and Kolkata, which has been a consistent host for the past five years. This expansion signifies the tournament’s commitment to promoting football across East and Northeast India.

The 133rd edition of the Durand Cup will feature 24 teams representing a wide spectrum of Indian football. These include teams from the Indian Super League, the I-League, other invitational teams, and teams from the Armed Forces. Additionally, international teams are expected to participate, continuing the tradition set in recent years.

Commenting on the preparations, Lieutenant General Ram Chander Tiwari UYSM, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, said, “The Durand Cup is a source of immense pride for the Eastern Command. The event has become a cornerstone in the landscape of Indian football and a beacon of sporting excellence. Football, is more than just a sport. It is a unifying force that brings together people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life. It embodies the spirit of teamwork, perseverance, and fair play. The Durand Cup, with its long-standing tradition, epitomizes these values and continues to inspire countless young athletes to dream big and strive for excellence. We in the military take great pride in organising the Durand Cup and it also strengthens civil-military relationship in the country. We sincerely thank the State Governments of all the four states for their unrelenting support. This year, the Durand Cup promises to be more exciting and competitive than ever before. I wish all involved yet another successful Durand Cup Tournament and may the best team win.”

The tournament will see a total of 43 matches played in a round-robin league-cum-knockout format. The 24 participating teams will be divided into six groups, with each group’s top team and the two best second-placed teams advancing to the knockout stage. The finals are scheduled to take place at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) in Kolkata on August 31, 2024.

Jamshedpur, Kokrajhar, and Shillong will each host one group, while Kolkata will host three groups. As part of the pre-tournament celebrations, the three coveted Durand Trophies will embark on a nationwide tour starting from New Delhi on July 10, 2024. These trophies will also make a stop in Jamshedpur before heading to Kolkata for the opening match on July 27.

Football fans across the country will be able to follow the 133rd Durand Cup live on Sony Sports Network (SSN) and the SonyLiv OTT platform, ensuring that the excitement and fervor of the tournament reach audiences far and wide.

Hosting the Durand Cup is a momentous occasion for Jamshedpur, reflecting the city’s growing significance in the Indian football landscape. As the tournament draws nearer, anticipation is building for what promises to be a thrilling showcase of football talent and sportsmanship.