Founded in 1888 by Sir Henry Mortimer Durand in Shimla (then Simla), the Durand Cup, originally known as the Shimla Trophy or the Durand Football Tournament, is Asia’s oldest and the world’s third-oldest football competition, after England’s FA Cup (1871) and the Scottish Cup (1873). It began as an inter-regimental event for British Indian Army units, designed to promote physical fitness and camaraderie among troops. The inaugural final saw Royal Scots Fusiliers defeat Highland Light Infantry 2–1, marking the beginning of what would become a symbol of footballing heritage in India.
Initially a military-exclusive tournament, the competition was held annually in Shimla and gained prominence as a major sporting event in colonial India. Over time, it began inviting civilian clubs, most notably from the 1920s onward, transitioning from a regimental tradition into a bridge between colonial sport and the rise of Indian club football. The Durand Cup’s evolution laid the foundation for India’s footballing culture, making it one of the most emotionally cherished tournaments among players, clubs, and fans to this day.
From Army Greens to Civilian Glory
In 1925, Mohun Bagan became the first civilian, all-Indian team invited to compete among British regiments. A landmark moment followed in 1940 when Mohammedan Sporting broke the 50‑year British monopoly, beating the Royal Warwickshire Regiment to become the first civilian champions.
After independence, governance transferred to the Durand Football Tournament Society (DFTS) in 1947, under the leadership of India’s Defence Secretary and Service Chiefs. The first post‑independence winner in 1950 was Hyderabad City Police under coach Syed Abdul Rahim, defeating Mohun Bagan in a replayed final.
Legacy in Silverware: Clubs That Built the Myth
Over decades, the tournament has been dominated by Kolkata giants: Mohun Bagan leads the chart with 17 titles, followed closely by East Bengal with 16. Historic twin three‑peat runs include Mohun Bagan (1964-66, 1984-86) and East Bengal (1989-91).
The winner still receives three trophies annually: the Durand Cup, the Shimla Trophy (both rolling), and the President’s Cup (a permanent trophy introduced by President Dr. Rajendra Prasad).
Source: Thebridge.in
A Catalyst for Indian Football Development
The Durand Cup became a proving ground for many of India’s football icons. Chuni Goswami, P.K. Banerjee, Baichung Bhutia, I.M. Vijayan, and Sunil Chhetri all cut their teeth here. Sunil Chhetri himself has called it “a springboard” to national recognition.
Its high-pressure matches and rivalries helped elevate Indian football in the 1950s, culminating in India’s remarkable fourth‑place finish at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, powered by players hardened in Durand’s heat.
Source: Sportsdigest
Rekindling the Flame: Revival in the Modern Era
By the mid‑2000s, the emergence of ISL and the Super Cup overshadowed the Durand Cup, and many ISL clubs either skipped it or sent second teams. Between 2015 and 2018, only minimalist editions took place.
The tide turned in 2019, when God’s own Kerala club Gokulam Kerala FC beat multiple ISL and Kolkata giants to lift the trophy in Kolkata, signaling a promising revival. Since then:
- In 2021, Durand was officially designated the season opener of Indian football, conducted under Eastern Command in the football‑mad city of Kolkata.
- In 2022 (131st edition), all ISL clubs were mandated to participate, joined by I‑League and Armed Forces teams, expanding to multiple cities (Kolkata, Guwahati, and Imphal) in a 20‑team format with 47 matches and 133 goals scored. Bengaluru FC won their first Durand Cup by beating Mumbai City FC 2–1 in the final.
- In 2024 (133rd edition), with 24 teams over 43 matches, Northeast United FC won their first-ever title, defeating Mohun Bagan in the final. ISL club participation became standard and AFC recognized the Durand Cup as an official Indian cup tournament. Source: The Assam Rising
Domestic Successors So Far
Mohun Bagan leads with 30 tournament appearances, and armed forces teams like BSF, Gorkha Brigade, and the Indian Army have multiple wins post-independence. Source: Durandcup.in
| Year / Edition | Teams Participated | Matches Played | Notable Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 (131st) | 20 | 47 | Bengaluru FC (1st title) |
| 2024 (133rd) | 24 | 43 | NorthEast United FC (1st title) |
Emotional Ties: Fans, Rivalries & the Thrill of Tradition
For legions of fans, the Durand Cup isn’t just football; it’s nostalgia, pride, and identity.
- Kolkata Derbies: Mohun Bagan vs. East Bengal have often been staged in Durand, their rivalries echoing beyond the match into decades of football lore.
- One remarkable fan story: a supporter ran 48 km to Kokrajhar to watch the opening match in 2023; moved by his passion, an army officer gave him a VIP pass and introduced him to players.
- Another fan memory: fierce emotion in Delhi when his team lost on penalties, people wearing custom jerseys, and tears in the stands illustrating football’s deep emotional hold.
These stories reflect how Durand’s old‑world charm connects with modern passion and how fans in small towns and metro cities alike feel ownership over this tournament.
Domestic and Local Impact
1. A Football Ecosystem Catalyst
The Durand Cup’s format of group stages and knockouts offers ISL clubs a low-stress environment to test rookies and strategies before the season. Youth players often shine here and earn a breakthrough; the tournament acts as a development pathway within the Indian football pyramid.
Source: www.indiansuperleague.com
2. Regional Inclusion & Grassroots Growth
Since 2019, Durand has expanded across five Indian states (West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Jharkhand, and Manipur). The 2025 edition boosts total prize money to ₹3 crore, marking a threefold increase underlining its growing professional status. Source: Economic Times
3. Championing Underrepresented Regions
Clubs like Northeast United FC and Bodoland FC reaching later stages, and Ladakh FC entering the tournament ahead of 2025, highlight how Durand gives voice to regions historically excluded from national football discourse.
The Durand Cup Still Beating Strong
Over 134 editions, the Durand Cup has weathered wars, independence, structural shifts, and cultural transitions. From British regiments to ISL giants, it has provided a stage where tradition meets talent, where fans pass down chants generation after generation, and where aspiring players dare to live their dreams.
In every goal, in every roar from the stands, and in every underdog tale, the Cup whispers: this is India’s footballing soul rooted in history, alive with emotion, and ever poised for the beautiful game’s future.
Durand Cup legacy, Indian football history, oldest football tournament in Asia, Indian football development, club football India
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Sagnik Banerjee
[…] challenge Mohun Bagan can face is having a hefty schedule, as Mohun Bagan will be playing in AFC Champions League 2 as well, which will make the schedule even more compact and hectic for the […]