The 132nd edition of the historic Durand Cup football tournament commenced in Kolkata on 3rd August 2023 at Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. This year’s tournament is named the “IndianOil Durand Cup” as IndianOil is the title sponsor. Organized by the Indian Armed Forces and supported by the Governments of West Bengal & Assam, this is the third oldest football tournament in the world, being held across three venues – Guwahati and Kokrajhar in Assam, and Kolkata in West Bengal. All three venues have been meticulously prepared to provide a world-class experience to football enthusiasts. The inaugural ceremony of the IndianOil Durand Cup at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata, was graced by Smt. Mamata Banerjee, Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal , General Manoj Pande, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC, Chief of the Army Staff, Lt General Rana Pratap Kalita UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, GOC-in-C Eastern Command , Shri S M Vaidya, Chairman, IndianOil, Shri Aroop Biswas, Minister in Charge, Department of Power, Housing, Youth Services & Sports, Government of West Bengal and other dignitaries.
In the opening match of the IndianOil Durand Cup, held between Mohun Bagan SG and Bangladesh Army FT on 3rd August, Mohun Bagan SG emerged victorious. The tournament was inaugurated by Hon’ble Chief Minister Smt. Mamata Banerjee, who kicked the football on the ground to mark the beginning of the event.The IndianOil Durand Cup in Guwahati is being inaugurated today, 4th August 2023, at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium. Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma and Lt General Rana Pratap Kalita UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, GOC-in-C Eastern Command will be present at the event, along with Shri V Satishkumar, Director (Marketing), IndianOil, and other dignitaries.
IndianOil’s commitment to sports is guided by a comprehensive sports policy that aims to reshape the sporting culture in India and elevate the nation’s position in sports across multiple disciplines. The company has taken several initiatives for sports promotion, including recruitment, scholarships, awards, incentives, organizing sporting events, sponsorship of sports tournaments, development/maintenance of sports infrastructure, and support to prestigious sports academies. The IndianOil Durand Cup is a significant part of these efforts to promote sports on a grand scale. The Durand Cup stands as the flag bearer of India’s long and rich footballing legacy. Established in 1888 by Sir Mortimer Durand, Foreign Secretary of British India, this tournament continues to captivate millions of football lovers in India. IndianOil’s title sponsorship remains consistent with last year’s tournament. This year, a total of 43 matches will be played in IndianOil Durand Cup across 3 cities — Kolkata, Guwahati, and Kokrajhar. Kolkata will host 23 matches, including the final, Guwahati will host 11 matches, and Kokrajhar will host 9 matches.
