The 133rd edition of Durand Cup to kick start on June 27, Jamshedpur and Shillong to debut as hosts

The 133 rd edition of the Durand cup football tournament is set to kick start on July 27, 2024, and conclude on August 31. The announcement was made by the HQ Eastern Command of the Indian army on behalf of the Durand Football Tournament Society which shall organize this year’s edition of Asia’s oldest football tournament. Besides Assam and Kolkata, Jamshedpur and Shillong will also play host to 24 teams with representation from different leagues. Speaking about the preparations for the oldest football cup, 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.”

Apart from many of the 43 matches of the tournament, Kolkata will also host the first and last match at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan stadium. The three Durand trophies will be flagged off for a nationwide tour from New Delhi on July 10, 2024, before they reach Kolkata ahead of the opening game on July 27.