Durand Cup Triples Prize Money.
Sanchita Chatterjee, Kolkata, July 21, 2025: The 134th IndianOil Durand Cup Organising Committee (DCOC) in a widely appreciated move, has announced that the total cash prize of this year’s tournament will see a 250% increase to ₹3 crore, from last edition’s less than ₹1.2 crores. This was shared at the Durand Cup Trophy Display press event organised at Vijay Durg Kolkata, by Lt Gen Mohit Malhotra, AVSM, SM, Chief of Staff, HQ Eastern Command and Chairman, DCOC.
The decision reflects the Committee’s strategic vision to position the Durand Cup not just as a legacy event, but as a critical platform for the future of Indian football. By increasing the prize money, the DCOC aims to incentivise top clubs to send their best squads, ensuring that matches are not only fiercely contested but also provides meaningful exposure to young and emerging players.
The Durand Cup has always served as a rare confluence where raw, grassroots talent competes directly with some of the finest players in the country as well as against international competition, and this year, the organisers are doubling down on that unique value proposition.
Lt Gen Mohit Malhotra emphasised that this prize money enhancement is part of a wider commitment to player development and talent discovery saying, “I am also delighted to announce that from this year the tournament has significantly ramped up its prize structure, from less than ₹1.2 cr to this year we will paying ₹3cr, an increase of 250% in the overall prize money. In addition, three glittering SUVs for the three individual award winners will also be awarded. This reflects our growing commitment to both rewarding excellence and attracting the best talent from across the nation. The Indian Army’s association with the Durand Cup continues to be unshakeable and pure and conducted with the values of integrity, punctuality and fairness. It is a no-profit-no-loss venture, driven purely by the goal of promoting football and giving it a platform which it richly deserves.”
By significantly increasing the prize money, the Durand Cup is sending a strong message that Asia’s oldest tournament is embracing its role as a launchpad for the next generation of stars. This financial boost not only rewards excellence but also helps foster ambition, professionalism, and growth within Indian football’s club and academy ecosystem.
For 137 years, the Durand Cup has been more than just a football tournament – it has been the launchpad for India’s most promising young talent. Long before they became household names, some of India’s greatest footballers took their first national strides on Durand’s hallowed turf. The tournament’s enduring legacy lies in this very promise – to give unknown players from every corner of the country the chance to test their mettle, earn recognition and chase their dreams. The Durand Cup continues to serve as a nation-building platform – a competitive crucible where aspiring footballers from academies, Services teams and state clubs from the remotest corners of the Nation can rise, shine and inspire.