Origin and Legacy

The Durand Football Tournament was inaugurated in 1888 at Shimla by Sir Henry Mortimer Durand, then the Foreign Secretary to British India. It is the third oldest football tournament in the world and the oldest in Asia and India. Initially conceived as a competition among regiments and departments of the British and Native Indian Armed Forces, gradually it became a symbol of camaraderie and sporting excellence. The original organizing committee featured the Political Secretary as the ex-officio President and the local military officer as Honorary Secretary, with the Viceroy and the Commander-in-Chief serving as Patron-in-Chief and Vice Patron-in-Chief, respectively.

Pre-Independence

Initially a military-exclusive event, the Durand Tournament included units such as regular army regiments, provincial frontier forces, and volunteer reserves of British India. Hosted in Dagshai, near Shimla, the tournament was suspended during World War I (1914-1919), and resumed in 1921. It continued as an All India Inter-Regiment competition until 1939 at Shimla. In 1940, the event was relocated to Delhi and for the first time civilian teams were allowed to compete. Mohammedan Sporting Club made history that year by becoming the first civilian team to win the tournament. Due to World War II, the tournament was again suspended from 1941 to 1949 and was revived in 1950.

Post-Independence

After independence in 1947, there were demands to move the tournament to Lahore. However, due to the intervention of the Three Service Chiefs and Shri H.M. Patel, ICS, Defence Secretary, the tournament remained in India and resumed at Delhi in 1950. From then until 2013, it was held annually in Delhi. Between 2013 and 2018, the tournament was hosted in Goa and since 2019, it has been taken taking place in Kolkata and various NorthEastern states, the regions where football enjoys strong popularity. The Durand Cup remains unique as the only football tournament in India organized and managed solely by the Armed Forces to promote the sport nationwide.

Durand Football Tournament Society

On the recommendation of Shri H.M. Patel, the tournament was officially registered as the 'Durand Football Tournament Society' under the Societies Registration Act on 20 December 1958. It was stipulated that the Society would be led by the three Service Chiefs. The Society's primary goal is to promote football in India through the annual conduct of the tournament. It is open to all club teams in the country and is held under the aegis of the All India Football Federation (AIFF). Among India's oldest tournaments - including the IFA Shield of Kolkata and the Rovers Cup of the Mumbai - the Durand Cup has uniquely preserved its legacy and prestige. Traditionally organized by HQ Delhi Area, the tournament is now conducted by HQ Eastern Command since 2019. The Chief of Defence Staff, who is also the Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, serves as the ex-officio President of the Society. The three Service Chiefs are ex-officio Vice Presidents. The General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area acts as the Chairman of the Standing Working Committee, with the Commandant, Rajputana Rifles Regimental Centre as Vice-Chairman. Since February 1999, the Physical Training Officer at the Rajputana Rifles Regimental Centre has served as the Honorary Secretary General of the Society.

Trophies

The Durand Cup is distinguished by its three prestigious trophies.The Durand Cup, The President's Cup (formerly the Viceroy's Trophy), and the Shimla Trophy. In the colonial era, the viceroy of India used to present the trophies and post-independence the Honorable President of India carried on this tradition.

The President's Cup

Introduced by Dr. Rajendra Prasad in 1950, it is awarded permanently tothe winning team. It features a circular disc atop the Ashoka Lion Capital.

The Durand Cup

The Durand Football tournament society declared Durand Cup as a rolling trophy in 1965, this iconic cup is held by the winner for ayear and returned before the next edition.

The Shimla Trophy

Donated by the citizens of Shimla in 1904, this rolling trophy reflects the strong local support and enthusiasm for the tournament.

Present Format

The tournament follows a league-cum-knockout format. After moving to Goa in 2014, the event found a new home in Kolkata from 2019 onwards. In the 133rd edition held in 2024, 24 teams participated, including international services teams from Bangladesh and Nepal. National League teams were seeded directly into the league stage, while the Services Football Champion team earned a direct spot in the quarterfinals.

Current Status

The 133rd edition of the Durand Cup was conducted from 26 July to31 August 2024 across four cities - Kolkata, Jamshedpur, Shillong and Kokrajhar. The final match was witnessed by General Anil Chauhan, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, Chief of Defence Staff, Chairman COSC, and President DFTS, along with other dignitaries. North East United FC emerged victorious, defeating Mohun Bagan SG in a thrilling penalty shootout with a score lineof 2(2) - 2(3).

Envisaged Future

The Durand Football Tournament Society is embracing a transformative vision to enhance the tournament's appeal and reach. While retaining its core mission to promote football across the nation, new ideas and formats are being considered to elevate its popularity and audience engagement in the years ahead.