President Droupadi Murmu Unveils Durand Cup 2026 Trophies, Highlights Football’s Role in Building a Stronger India.
New Delhi:
President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday unveiled and flagged off the trophies of the Durand Cup Tournament 2026 at a ceremonial function held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in New Delhi. The event marked the official launch of one of Asia’s oldest and most prestigious football tournaments, which continues to play a vital role in promoting the sport across the country.
Addressing the gathering, President Murmu congratulated all past and present officials, organisers, and players associated with the Durand Cup for their contribution to Indian football. She said the tournament has served as an important platform for nurturing talented footballers over the years and has significantly contributed to the growth of the sport in India.
Expressing happiness over the expansion of the tournament, the President noted that several new teams would participate in this year’s edition, competing for the Durand Cup, the President’s Cup, and the Shimla Trophy. She also welcomed the participation of a team from Sri Lanka, saying that the inclusion of new teams would further enhance the popularity and competitive spirit of the historic tournament. She extended her best wishes to all participating teams and players for excellent performances.
Highlighting football’s global appeal, President Murmu described the sport as one of the most popular games in the world and a symbol of excellence, unity, and sportsmanship. Referring to the ongoing FIFA World Cup, she said the world’s finest teams and players are competing not only for glory but also to uphold the prestige of their respective nations. She added that football has the unique ability to unite people across borders, with millions of fans celebrating exceptional performances and drawing inspiration from the game.
The President acknowledged that India still has a long way to go in establishing itself as a strong force in international football. However, she expressed confidence that tournaments like the Durand Cup would play a crucial role in identifying and nurturing young football talent, ultimately strengthening the country’s presence on the global football stage.
Speaking on the broader significance of sports, President Murmu said the spirit of sportsmanship extends beyond the playing field. According to her, sports teach important values such as equality, teamwork, cooperation, discipline, and resilience in the face of challenges. She linked these values to India’s vision of becoming a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, expressing confidence that the nation would achieve this goal through unity, collective effort, and the same spirit of teamwork that drives football teams towards victory.
The Durand Cup, one of the oldest football tournaments in Asia, continues to be a prestigious competition featuring top clubs and services teams from across India and abroad. The 2026 edition is expected to witness increased participation and heightened competition, further strengthening its legacy as a cornerstone of Indian football.
