Pictures by Bibhash Lodh, BS News Agency.
Sanchita Chatterjee, BSNews Agency, Kolkata, July 22, 2026: The Trophy Tour of the 135th IndianOil Durand Cup arrived to Kolkata on Wednesday, completing its journey across all five host states ahead of the kick-off of Asia's oldest football tournament on July 25. Arriving from Ranchi, the tournament's three iconic trophies were showcased during a ceremonial function and press conference at AOI Vijay Durg, marking the culmination of the nationwide Trophy Tour before football action gets underway in the City of Joy.
The event was attended by Dr. Indranil Khan, Hon'ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Department of Youth Services and Sports and Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of West Bengal, as Chief Guest. Also present were Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Eastern Command and Chairman, Durand Cup Organising Committee; Shri Rajesh Pandey, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Youth Services & Sports and Department of Cooperation, Government of West Bengal; Major General Dinesh Kumar Singh, SM, VSM, General Officer Commanding, Bengal Sub Area and Vice Chairman, Durand Cup Organising Committee, along with senior civil and military officials, representatives of participating clubs, sponsors, partners and members of the football fraternity.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Indranil Khan, Hon'ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Department of Youth Services and Sports and Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of West Bengal, said, “Kolkata is privileged to host 16 matches during this edition of the Durand Cup, including the opening match and the Final, and that is a matter of great pride for every football lover in our state. During the recent FIFA Club World Cup, we all supported clubs from around the world. Now it is time to unite behind Indian football and our own footballers. 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.”
The ceremony commenced with the introduction of the dignitaries, followed by audio-visual presentations tracing the rich legacy of the Durand Cup, the ceremonial unveiling of the tournament's three iconic trophies at Rashtrapati Bhavan, and a special message from actor John Abraham celebrating the competition.
Dr. Indranil Khan, Hon'ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Department of Youth Services and Sports and Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of West Bengal, and Shri Rajesh Pandey, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Youth Services & Sports and Department of Cooperation, Government of West Bengal, were felicitated before Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Eastern Command and Chairman, Durand Cup Organising Committee, delivered the welcome address.