Get ready for a historic showdown as the grandest football tradition in Asia, the Durand Cup, kicks off its 132nd edition on August 4! It’s time to witness the clash of titans as Mohun Bagan Super Giants (MBSG) lock horns with Bangladesh Army FT at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata for the thrilling season opener.
Dating back to 1888, the Durand Cup has an illustrious legacy that spans generations. And this year’s tournament promises to be nothing short of spectacular! With a total of 43 exhilarating matches, 24 top-notch teams will battle it out on the field, leaving no room for dull moments. And the suspense will reach its peak on September 3, the day of the epic final that will determine the ultimate champion!
.@thedurandcup is not just a competition, it’s an 𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 🥹
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) July 22, 2023
Watch Asia's oldest football tournament on your 📺 screens, from 3rd August, only on #SonySportsNetwork ⚽#DurandCup pic.twitter.com/QMmlDvMnlA
What sets the Durand Cup apart is its unique blend of competition. It’s a platform where football powerhouses from the Indian Super League (ISL), I-League, and even the Armed Forces collide, creating an electrifying atmosphere that is second to none. This tournament is a celebration of the beautiful game that unites players and fans from different backgrounds in the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie.
But hold on, there’s an exciting twist this year! After almost three decades, foreign teams are making a grand return to the tournament, marking a significant moment in its history. Service teams from neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Nepal will be joining the fray, adding an international flair and elevating the competition to a whole new level.
Read More: Durand Cup final: Mumbai City beat Mohammedan Sporting 1-0
Origin of Durand Cup’s name
Durand Cup, a legendary football tournament that pays homage to its visionary founder, Sir Henry Mortimer Durand. This extraordinary man held the prestigious position of the foreign secretary of British India from 1884 to 1894, and his passion for sports and camaraderie laid the foundation for this epic sporting event.
In its early days, the Durand Cup emerged as a unique platform for fostering harmony and friendly competition among the Indian Armed Forces. It was an inter-departmental and inter-regimental extravaganza, where soldiers displayed their exceptional football skills, uniting them in the spirit of sportsmanship and teamwork.
Over time, the tournament’s popularity soared, transcending its military origins and capturing the hearts of sports enthusiasts across the nation. The passion and dedication of players, coupled with the fervor of the fans, turned the Durand Cup into a celebrated sporting tradition that endures to this day.
As we prepare for the 132nd edition of this historic event, it’s essential to pay tribute to Sir Henry Mortimer Durand’s legacy, whose vision created a platform that not only showcased athletic prowess but also promoted harmony and camaraderie among the brave souls who served the nation.
So, as the tournament unfolds with excitement and anticipation, let us remember the man behind the name and cherish the spirit of unity and sportsmanship that makes the Durand Cup a symbol of sporting excellence and national pride.
What is the name given to the trophies awarded in the Durand Cup tournament?
Behold the three illustrious trophies that lend an unparalleled charm to the Durand Cup, making it a treasure trove of football history and excellence:
1. The Durand Cup Trophy: This prestigious rolling trophy stands as the original prize of the tournament. With a rich legacy dating back to its inception, this trophy embodies the spirit of competition and has witnessed countless battles for football supremacy.
2. The Shimla Trophy: A captivating rolling trophy, the Shimla Trophy adds a touch of regal grandeur to the Durand Cup. The trophy’s journey began in 1904 when it was graciously presented by the resident of Shimla. Since then, it has been a symbol of honor and distinction for the victors who triumph in the tournament.
3. The President’s Cup: The most revered of them all, the President’s Cup is a permanent keepsake that holds a special place in the hearts of the winners. Endowed by India’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, in 1956, this trophy serves as a reminder of the highest honor and recognition bestowed upon the champions who leave an indelible mark in the annals of football history.
These three remarkable trophies not only represent the essence of competition but also reflect the rich heritage and the sense of unity that the Durand Cup fosters among football enthusiasts. As the tournament unfolds, the players’ eyes will gleam with determination, knowing that they are not only vying for victory but also the honor of lifting one of these iconic trophies and etching their names in sporting immortality.
Durand Cup 2023 Schedule Dates
The journey to glory will commence with the group stage matches, which will keep you on the edge of your seat from August 3rd to August 22nd. Witness the drama unfold as teams battle fiercely to secure their spot in the knockout stages.
As the competition heats up, brace yourself for the nail-biting quarterfinals, scheduled to take place from August 24th to August 27th. It’s crunch time for the teams, and every goal, every tackle, and every save will make all the difference in their quest for the coveted championship.
But the ultimate climax awaits you on September 3rd, at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, where football history will be written! Set your alarms for 4 pm, as the finalists clash in a high-stakes, heart-pounding showdown that will determine the true champion of Durand Cup 2023.
Total Number of Matches Scheduled for Durand Cup 2023
Durand Cup 2023 gears up to treat us to a whopping 43 thrilling matches! The tournament promises to be a rollercoaster ride of emotions, with each match fueling our passion for the beautiful game.
Kicking off the exhilarating journey are the intense group-stage clashes, consisting of 36 heart-pounding matches.
As the competition intensifies, only the best will survive to battle it out in the highly anticipated quarterfinals. The stakes are sky-high, and the pressure is immense as the teams strive to secure their spot in the coveted semifinals.
The final four will leave it all on the pitch in the thrilling semifinals, showcasing their incredible skills and teamwork to clinch a place in the grand finale. Tensions will soar, nerves will be tested, and the air will be charged with anticipation as the dream of lifting the Durand Cup draws closer.
And then comes the pinnacle of this remarkable journey, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – the epic final! On the hallowed grounds of Kolkata, two teams will clash in a battle of skill, determination, and heart. The stadium will reverberate with the thunderous cheers of fans as they rally behind their heroes.
Durand Cup 2023 Venues
Durand Cup 2023 will be spread across three vibrant cities – Guwahati, Kolkata, and Kokrajhar. These footballing hotspots will be buzzing with action as six remarkable stadiums play host to the exciting matches.
Here are the venues for Durand Cup 2023:
1. Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata
2. Mohun Bagan Ground, Kolkata
3. East Bengal Ground, Kolkata
4. Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata
5. Sports Authority of India Stadium, Guwahati
6. Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Kokrajhar
What are the Participating Teams in Durand Cup 2023?
Durand Cup 2023 welcomes a record-breaking lineup of 24 dynamic teams! The excitement is soaring high, with four more teams joining the fray compared to the last edition, promising an even more thrilling tournament.
The list of participants reads like a who’s who of Indian football, featuring 12 power-packed Indian Super League clubs, five formidable I-League clubs, and five tenacious Services teams. But that’s not all! Adding a local flavor to the mix is Bodoland FC, a club that represents the passion and talent of the region.
To accommodate this incredible gathering of football prowess, the teams have been divided into six fiercely competitive groups, each consisting of four teams.
The Groups for the Durand Cup 2023 are as follows:
| Group A | Bangladesh Army FT, East Bengal, Mohun Bagan SG, Punjab FC |
| Group B | Indian Navy FT, Jamshedpur FC, Mohammedan SC, Mumbai City FC |
| Group C | Bengaluru FC, Gokulam Kerala FC, Indian Air Force FT, Kerala Blasters |
| Group D | Downtown Heroes FC, FC Goa, NorthEast United FC, Shillong Lajong |
| Group E | Chennaiyin FC, Delhi FC, Hyderabad FC, Tribhuwan Army |
| Group F | Bodoland FC, Indian Army FC, Odisha FC, Rajasthan United FC |
Here is The List of The Participating Clubs:
| Team | League |
|---|---|
| Bengaluru FC | ISL |
| Mumbai City FC | ISL |
| Mohun Bagan SG | ISL |
| East Bengal FC | ISL |
| Kerala Blasters FC | ISL |
| Jamshedpur FC | ISL |
| Odisha FC | ISL |
| NorthEast United FC | ISL |
| Hyderabad FC | ISL |
| Chennaiyin FC | ISL |
| Punjab FC | ISL |
| FC Goa | ISL |
| Gokulam Kerala FC | I-League |
| Mohammedan SC | I-League |
| Rajasthan United | I-League |
| Shillong Lajong FC | I-League |
| Delhi FC | I-League |
| Downtown Heroes | I-League 2 |
| Bodoland FC | Regional club entry |
| Indian Army FT | Armed Forces |
| Indian Air Force FT | Armed Forces |
| Indian Navy FT | Armed Forces |
| Bangladesh Services | Armed Forces |
| Nepal Services | Armed Forces |
Format of the Durand Cup
In this stage of the tournament, each group will engage in a single round-robin format, making it a rollercoaster of intense battles.
The stakes are sky-high, as the top team in each group secures a spot in the prestigious top 8, earning an automatic qualification that sets them on the path to glory. But the competition is fierce, and the next two contenders will have to prove their mettle until the very end of the group stage to secure their places among the elite.
As the drama unfolds and the points tally comes into play, there’s a chance that two teams might find themselves tied. But fret not, for there’s a series of thrilling tiebreaker rules to decide who emerges victorious!
Here are the tiebreaker rules for the group stage of Durand Cup 2023:
- Head-to-head record among tied teams will be considered first.
- If the tie persists between two teams, the goal difference in their head-to-head matches will be examined.
- The number of goals scored in head-to-head matches among tied teams will be reviewed next.
- If more than two teams are still tied after applying the above criteria, the head-to-head rules will be reapplied exclusively to this subset of teams.
- In case the tie remains unresolved, the goal difference in all group matches will be taken into account.
- The total number of goals scored in all group matches will be considered as another tiebreaker.
- As the ultimate resort, a drawing of lots will decide the winner if the tie persists.
Who was the Champion of the Durand Cup in the Previous Year?
In an exhilarating finale at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, Bengaluru FC emerged victorious in Durand Cup 2022, defeating Mumbai City FC with a thrilling scoreline of 2-1.
Amount of Money Awarded as the Prize for the Durand Cup
Here’s the prize pool breakdown for Durand Cup 2023:
- Champion: Rs. 50 lakh
- Runner-up: Rs. 30 lakh
- Golden Ball: Rs. 3 lakh
- Golden Boot: Rs. 3 lakh
- Golden Glove: Rs. 3 lakh
The total prize pool is an impressive 89 lakh rupees, making Durand Cup 2023 a lucrative and thrilling competition for teams and players alike.
Durand Cup Broadcasting Channel
Witness the footballing spectacle of Durand Cup 2023, live and exclusive on Sony Ten 2 and Sony Ten 2 HD!
But that’s not all! For those on the go or away from their TVs, worry not, as the tournament will also be available for live streaming on Sony LIV. Never miss a moment of the heart-stopping action, as the best teams battle it out for glory in this historic competition.
And here’s some exciting news – the Sony Sports Network has secured the broadcasting rights for the Durand Cup, not just for this year, but for the next two years as well. So, you can rest assured that you’ll be treated to top-notch coverage and in-depth analysis, bringing you closer to the footballing magic like never before.
As the anticipation builds and football fever grips the nation, fans are gearing up to support their favorite teams with unwavering passion. From nail-biting tackles to jaw-dropping goals, p epare to witness moments that will be etched in football folklore forever.
So, mark your calendars, rally your friends, and get ready to be a part of the unforgettable journey that is Durand Cup 2023. Let the games begin, and may the best team emerge victorious in this legendary battle of skill, passion, and sportsmanship!
