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Kolkata is once again at the heart of Indian football as the 135th edition of the IndianOil Durand Cup approaches kick-off, but this year comes with a notable first , the tournament is set to go paperless. The move signals a shift towards a more modern, digital matchday experience, even as one of the world’s oldest football competitions holds firmly onto its legacy. The development comes as the Trophy Tour culminated in the city, bringing the iconic silverware to Kolkata ahead of the July 25 opener.

Setting the tone for the tournament, Colonel Amit Kumar Yadav, nodal officer of the Durand Cup Organising Committee, underscored the weight of history behind the competition while welcoming dignitaries and the media. “With a legacy that spans over a century, the Durand Cup stands as a beacon of sporting excellence, military discipline, and national pride,” he said, adding that the tournament “continues to hold a special place in the hearts of football lovers across the country and beyond.” Acknowledging the role of storytelling in building the tournament’s reach, he noted, “Your continued support, widespread coverage, and passionate storytelling have played an instrumental role in taking the legacy of this tournament to every corner of the nation.”

With Kolkata set to host 16 matches, including the opening fixture and the final, state officials highlighted the scale of the moment for the city. Dr. Indranil Khan, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Department of Youth Services and Sports and Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of West Bengal, called it “a matter of great pride for every football lover in our state,” adding, “Kolkata is privileged to host 16 matches during this edition of the Durand Cup.” He also made a direct appeal to fans to turn up in large numbers, saying, “I appeal to every football enthusiast across West Bengal to fill the stadiums from the opening match to the Final, because there is no greater encouragement for our players than the unwavering support of passionate fans.”

Reinforcing Kolkata’s deep-rooted association with the tournament, Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Eastern Command and Chairman of the Durand Cup Organising Committee, described the competition as “one of our most cherished sporting commitments and a shining example of military-civil partnership at its very best.” He added that since 2019, Kolkata has served as the principal host city, “where football is not merely a sport but a way of life,” underlining the cultural significance the game holds in the city.

Highlighting the tournament’s legacy, Shri Rajesh Pandey, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of West Bengal, said, “The legacy of the Durand Cup is truly remarkable, and very few sporting events in India can claim such a distinguished heritage.” Looking ahead to the opener, he added, “We are delighted that the tournament returns to Kolkata with the iconic Kolkata Derby opening the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup,” expressing confidence that football lovers across the state are eagerly awaiting the clash.

The ceremony itself leaned into both nostalgia and evolution, with audio-visual presentations tracing the journey of the Durand Cup through time. As highlighted during the event, the tournament has been “shaped by time, tradition, and the spirit of the game” and “has mirrored the evolution of Indian football and the values we hold dear.” The messaging around the competition also struck a forward-looking note: “The Durand Cup isn’t just history. It’s the future of Indian football.”

Actor John Abraham, lending his voice to the tournament’s campaign, captured its emotional core, saying, “Every trophy tells a story, but the Durand Cup itself is a story , a story of passion, pride, courage…” , a sentiment that echoed across the ceremony as the trophies were showcased in Kolkata.

The 135th edition will kick off on July 25 with the Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan . With 24 teams, 43 matches and fixtures spread across five host cities, the tournament continues to grow in scale. Yet, as always, Kolkata remains its beating heart , where even as the format evolves, the passion in the stands stays exactly the same.