New Delhi, October 31 (IANS). The Durand Cup, organized by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), is the most prestigious football tournament in the country. This tournament is the oldest tournament in Asia and the third oldest tournament in the world. The Durand Cup was started in 1888 by Henry Mortimer Durand in Shimla. At that time, India was under the British Raj and the purpose of the Durand Cup was to promote football among the British officers. After India’s independence in 1947, attempts were made to stop organizing the Durand Cup in India and make it a Pakistan tournament. But, the then Defense Minister, HM Danksy Patel made this tournament India’s and today it is recognized as the identity of Indian football in the country and the world. The Indian football season begins with the Durand Cup. This tournament is an important means of preparation for ISL and I-League clubs. Since 2019, the Durand Cup has been held in Kolkata and the North Eastern states. The reason for this is the craze for football in these states. Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat or the states of the South which thrive in cricket are behind Kolkata and the North Eastern states in football. Indian clubs and armed forces teams participate in this prestigious tournament. Last season 24 teams participated. The tournament is played through a group stage and then on a knockout basis. The Durand Cup was dominated by two Kolkata-based clubs, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal. Mohun Bagan has won the Durand Cup title 17 times, while East Bengal has won it 16 times. The 134th edition in 2025 was played between 24 teams from July 23 to August 23 in Kolkata, Jamshedpur, Shillong, Kokrajhar and Guwahati. The final was played at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata. NorthEast United won the title, defeating Diamond Harbor FC 6–1 in the final. NorthEast United, who won the Durand Cup 2025, received a prize of Rs 1.21 crore. This prestigious tournament of the country is a big and important platform for players who dream of making a career in the field of football. Better performance in the Durand Cup opens doors to the national team for those who play for club and army teams. –IANS PAK/ Share this story Tags