It is time to mark the 134th edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup 2025, which is one of the oldest tournaments in the world, having all 24 teams across different divisions and forces fighting to earn honor between July 23 and August 23, 2025. Staged in six legendary stadiums in India, this year Durand Cup will offer a heady brew of history, competition, young blood and nationhood.
Historical Overview
The Durand Cup is the most ancient football competition in India and it began long ago in 1888. Many of them perceive it as a kind of game but also as a living tradition that displays military history and good sport. The tournament has been broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network since 2023 and can be viewed on Sony Ten 2 and Sony Ten 2 HD by any person who has a Sony LIV subscription. Also, the Jio TV is not discontinued and every person can watch the game free of charge using their devices.
Fixtures & Format: Teams, Groups, Venues & KickoffHighlights
The multiple groups have been set at Kolkata, Jamshedpur, Shillong, Kokrajhar and Imphal, with two stadiums at Kolkata, namely Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) and Kishore Bharati Krirangan.
Group A (Kolkata)
- Teams: Emami East Bengal FC, South United FC, Indian Air Force FC, Namdhari FC
- Notable Clash: The opening match on July 23 features Emami East Bengal FC vs. South United FC at VYBK.
- Stadiums: VYBK, Kishore Bharati Krirangan
Group B (Kolkata)
- Teams: Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Mohammedan SC, Diamond Harbour FC, BSF FT
- Big Rivalry: Mohun Bagan vs Mohammedan SC on August 7, a potential crowd-puller.
- Stadiums: VYBK, Kishore Bharati Krirangan
Group C (Jamshedpur)
- Teams: Jamshedpur FC, Indian Army FT, Foreign Services Team (Malaysia), 1 Ladakh FC
- Venue: JRD Tata Sports Complex
Group D (Kokrajhar)
- Teams: ITBP FT, KAMS FC, Punjab FC, Bodoland FC
- Venue: SAI Stadium
Group E (Shillong)
- Teams: Shillong Lajong FC, Rangdajied United FC, Northeast United FC, Foreign Services Team (Nepal)
- Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
Group F (Imphal)
- Teams: TRAU FC, Real Kashmir FC, NEROCA FC, Indian Navy FT
- Venue: Khuman Lampak Main Stadium
The Contenders: Who’s Who in 2025
This year’s competition features a diverse mix of 24 teams, representing five competitive tiers:
- Indian Super League (ISL):
- Emami East Bengal FC, Jamshedpur FC, Mohammedan SC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Northeast United FC, Punjab FC
- I-League:
- Shillong Lajong FC, Namdhari FC, Real Kashmir FC, Diamond Harbour FC
- I-League 2:
- NEROCA FC, KAMS FC
- State League Teams:
- TRAU FC, Rangdajied United FC, South United FC, Bodoland FC, 1 Ladakh FC
- Indian Armed Forces:
- Indian Air Force FC, Indian Army FC, Indian Navy FT, ITBP FT, BSF FT
- Guest/Foreign Armed Forces:
- Foreign Services Team (Malaysia), Nepal Army FC (Tribhuvan Army)
What does the 2025 edition entail?
- New Entrants: Teams such as 1 Ladakh FC and Foreign Services Malaysia introduce a new element of tactics and a regional face as well.
- Multi-city Hosting: Located in 6 cities, this model guarantees local access to many people as well as fan bases.
- Broadcast reach: The event is being covered by Sony Sports Network and Jio TV at the same time, ultimately the most convenient edition ever.
Key Matchups
- Emami East Bengal FC vs South United FC (July 23, VYBK) The scorching flame in which an ISL powerhouse is to play a State League club.
- Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs. Mohammedan SC (August 7, VYBK)—the legendary game in Kolkata will attract the highest number of viewers.
- Northeast United FC vs. Rangdajied United FC (August 13, Shillong)—A game that pits two proud Northeast football rivals against one another.
- Jamshedpur FC vs Indian Army FT (July 29, Jamshedpur) A fight between young blood and discipline.
Path to Knockouts
The best two teams in each group will qualify for the quarterfinals, which will commence on August 16, followed by the grand finale on August 23. The quarter-final stages and the venues and matches will be established after the group stage results are known. According to past experiences, every knockout game is expected to shift amongst Imphal, Kolkata and Jamshedpur venues depending on the logistical possibilities and the drawing power of the home audience.
Fanaticism of Football and Spirit of the Military
The Durand Cup has continued to use the military teams in India and across the world to remember its origin that involved the British Indian army. The involvement of such companies as the Nepal Army (Tribhuvan Army) and the Foreign Services Team (Malaysia) is the global bonding by means of competition.
Broadcast and Streaming Information
• Sony Sports Network: Live on Sony Ten 2 and Sony Ten 2 HD
• SonyLIV: Entire matches will be streamed on OTT-based subscription
• Jio TV: Viewable access of streaming programming to mobile phone users
Tip for Fans: If you’re on the go, catch all live action via Jio TV, or enjoy multi-angle replays on SonyLIV for a premium experience.
Recent Retrospective: The 2024 Highlights
Mohun Bagan Super Giant won the title, following a narrow 2-1 win against the Punjab FC, in the final of the 133rd edition, which is going to be played in 2024. Will they repeat the previous year, or will another king emerge? With new State League clubs and better I-League representation, the race to the finish becomes open with no one team predicted to win.
Kolkata to Imphal: Football Takes Center Stage as Durand Cup 2025 Begins
In addition to the silverware, the Durand Cup is also an embodiment of the footballing culture of India, military courage and local pride. Be it the shouts of VYBK or the thunderclaps of Khuman Lampak, it is this month-long football festival that brings together the different regions of India and places them under a single fanatic umbrella.
In the coming 134th Durand Cup, be on the lookout at Sportspedia Zone to provide match reports, player in-focus, and tactical analysis to keep you updated.
Vibhor Gautam