New Delhi, July 7: President of India Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday launched and flagged off the trophies for the Durand Cup 2026 in New Delhi, while urging the nation to work towards becoming a major force in world football.
Addressing the gathering, President Murmu said that several new teams will compete this year for the prestigious Durand Cup, the President’s Cup and the Shimla Trophy. She welcomed the participation of a team from Sri Lanka, stating that the inclusion of new teams would further enhance the popularity and competitiveness of the historic tournament.
The President extended her best wishes to all participating teams and players, urging them to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship and elevate the stature of the competition through outstanding performances. She also expressed satisfaction that, besides the traditional host cities of Kolkata, Guwahati, Imphal and Shillong, this year’s Durand Cup will also be hosted in Ranchi.
Highlighting football’s ability to unite people, President Murmu said the sport transcends regional and social boundaries while promoting discipline, determination and teamwork. She noted that India still has considerable ground to cover before emerging as a leading football nation and called upon all stakeholders to contribute to the growth of the sport.
Expressing confidence in the tournament’s role in nurturing young talent, the President said the Durand Cup would continue to serve as an important platform for developing future football stars in the country.
Also present on the occasion were General Anil Chauhan, General Dhiraj Seth and Admiral Krishna Swaminathan.
