(Image Source- Press Information Bureau, Government Of India)

In a grand ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu unveiled the trophies for the Durand Cup Tournament 2024 today. The event saw the unveiling of the Durand Cup, the President’s Cup, and the Shimla Trophy.

In her remarks, President Murmu emphasized the global popularity of football and the heightened excitement experienced by both players and fans during matches. She extended her best wishes to all participants of the Durand Cup 2024, encouraging them to engage in healthy competition and respect their opponents. She urged players to channel their emotions positively and perform with determination and sportsmanship. Additionally, she called upon football enthusiasts to work towards elevating the sport’s standards in India.

The ceremony was graced by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pandey, and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi.

The Durand Cup, organized by the Indian Army on behalf of the three Services and under the aegis of the All India Football Federation, boasts a unique tradition where the winning team receives three trophies: two rolling (the Durand Cup and the Shimla Trophy) and one for permanent keep (the President’s Cup). The Shimla Trophy, donated by the residents of Shimla in 1904, has been awarded in rolling since 1965.

Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri recalled his breakthrough moment in the Durand Cup in 2002, playing for Delhi club City FC, which catapulted him to national prominence.

The 2024 edition of the tournament, scheduled from July 27 to August 31, will feature 24 teams divided into six groups. The top eight teams—group winners and the two best second-placed sides—will advance to the knockout stage. This year’s tournament will also see participation from the services teams of Bangladesh and Bhutan.

The final will be held at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the defending champions, will look to retain their title after defeating East Bengal 1-0 in the 2023 final.

This year’s tournament comes amid a period of upheaval for Indian football, following the national team’s failure to qualify for the third round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the subsequent sacking of coach Igor Stimac.

The Durand Cup continues to be a prestigious platform for showcasing talent and fostering the spirit of football in India.

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