GUWAHATI: Assam is set to witness a thrilling football spectacle when the 132nd edition of the esteemed Durand Cup tournament kicks off in Guwahati, and Kokrajhar, spanning from August 3 to September 3.
Organised by the Indian Armed Forces and supported by the Government of Assam, this historic event, the oldest in Asia and the third oldest football tournament in the world, will take place across three venues: Guwahati and Kokrajhar in Assam and Kolkata in West Bengal.
This year, the tournament will feature 24 teams, four more than the previous edition, vying for the coveted Durand Cup. Among the participants are all 12 Indian Super League (ISL) teams, including two foreign services teams from Bangladesh and Nepal. These foreign teams mark their return to the tournament after a hiatus of 27 years.
Throughout its rich history, the Durand Cup has consistently served as a nurturing ground for India's finest football talent. Established in 1888, the tournament stands out due to its unique tradition of awarding three trophies to the victorious team. These include the Durand Cup, a rolling trophy and the original prize, the Simla Trophy, another rolling trophy first presented by the residents of Simla in 1903, and the President's Cup, a permanent keepsake initially bestowed by Rajendra Prasad, India's first President, in 1956.
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This year's edition of the Durand Cup will witness the enthralling action of 12 Indian Super League (ISL) teams, three Indian Armed Forces teams, two foreign services teams, and seven I-League teams. Football enthusiasts can expect a riveting display of skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship as these formidable sides battle it out for glory.
With Assam proudly hosting matches in Guwahati and Kokrajhar, the state is poised to become a vibrant hub for football fervour. As the countdown begins for the Durand Cup, football enthusiasts eagerly anticipate witnessing a remarkable display of athleticism, passion, and camaraderie on the hallowed grounds of Guwahati and Kokrajhar. The stage is set for an unforgettable football extravaganza in Assam this August.
