Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia praised the Durand Cup’s growing footprint ahead of the 135th edition and urged organisers to host a group-stage match in Siliguri.
Bhaichung Bhutia Praises Durand Cup’s Growing Reach
Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia has hailed the expanding footprint of the Durand Cup, describing it as one of football’s most prestigious tournaments while calling for future editions to include Siliguri as a host venue.
Speaking ahead of the 135th Durand Cup, Bhutia welcomed the organisers’ efforts to stage matches across multiple cities, saying the move would help strengthen the tournament’s national appeal and promote football in different regions of the country.
Calls for a Group-Stage Match in Siliguri
Bhutia, who hails from the region, said Siliguri has a rich football culture and deserves to host at least one group-stage fixture of the historic tournament.
Calling the Durand Cup one of the world’s oldest football competitions, he said the tournament has played an important role in Indian football and should continue to receive the support of leading clubs and state governments.
He noted that many generations of Indian footballers, including himself, have grown up playing in the competition and expressed hope that Siliguri would be included among the host cities in future editions.
Durand Cup 2026 Begins with Kolkata Derby
The 135th edition of the Durand Cup will kick off on July 25 with the iconic Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC, one of the biggest rivalries in Indian football.
The tournament will run until August 23, featuring 24 teams divided into six groups.
Matches will be played across five host cities:
- Kolkata
- Ranchi
- Imphal
- Shillong
- Guwahati
Kolkata to Host Key Matches
Kolkata, which has been hosting the Durand Cup since 2019, will remain the tournament’s primary venue.
The city will host:
- The opening Kolkata Derby
- Group A and Group B matches
- Two quarterfinals
- The first semifinal
- The final
The remaining host cities will stage group-stage fixtures, reinforcing the tournament’s growing presence across different parts of the country.
Durand Cup Continues to Expand
The organisers have continued to broaden the tournament’s reach in recent years by introducing multiple host cities, aiming to increase fan engagement and promote football beyond traditional centres.
Bhutia’s suggestion to include Siliguri reflects growing interest in taking top-level domestic football to regions with a strong football following and developing the sport at the grassroots level.
Key Takeaways
- Bhaichung Bhutia praised the Durand Cup’s expanding footprint ahead of its 135th edition.
- He urged organisers to host a group-stage match in Siliguri in future tournaments.
- The Durand Cup 2026 begins on July 25 with the Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC.
- The tournament will feature 24 teams across six groups and five host cities.
- Kolkata will host the opening match, the final and several knockout fixtures.
FAQs
What did Bhaichung Bhutia say about the Durand Cup?
Bhutia praised the tournament’s growing national presence and described it as one of football’s most prestigious competitions. He also requested organisers to host a group-stage match in Siliguri.
When does the 135th Durand Cup begin?
The tournament begins on July 25, 2026, with the Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC.
Which cities are hosting the Durand Cup 2026?
The tournament will be held in Kolkata, Ranchi, Imphal, Shillong and Guwahati.
How many teams are participating in the tournament?
A total of 24 teams will compete in the 135th edition of the Durand Cup.
Why did Bhutia suggest Siliguri as a host city?
Bhutia said Siliguri has a strong football culture and deserves to host at least one group-stage match to further promote the sport in the region.
