As many as 24 teams will be in the fray in the 134th edition of the Durand Cup, Asia’s oldest football tournament which will be played across five states from July 23 to August 23. The 24 teams will be divided into six groups of four teams each. The tournament, which also happens to be the world's third oldest, will be played in West Bengal, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya and Assam.
President Droupadi Murmu unveiled the trophies of the tournament at a function organised by the Army at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday. The function was also attended by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh and Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi.
Speaking at the event, Murmu said, “Sports promotes discipline, determination and team spirit. Sports has the unique power to connect people, regions and countries. In India, it has been a powerful tool for national integration. All fellow citizens get thrilled when the tricolour flies at the Olympics or any international event. I am happy to join this tradition of unveiling the Durand Cup trophies. It’s Asia’s oldest football tournament, with top teams participating. This year it will be held in eastern and north-east India, where football is a cultural identity. Football teaches strategy and endurance. Kudos to the armed forces for sustaining it.”
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