Overview
- President Droupadi Murmu ceremonially unveiled and flagged off the Durand Cup 2026 trophies at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday, marking the formal start of preparations for the 135th edition.
- Organisers confirmed a 24‑team format across six groups with the tournament running from July 25 to August 23 and an opening Kolkata derby between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal.
- The launch announced first‑time host city Ranchi and the entry of new sides including a team from Sri Lanka, broadening the tournament’s geographic and international reach.
- Senior military chiefs attended the ceremony, underlining the Durand Cup’s long association with Indian defence and the organisers’ emphasis on maintaining that institutional link.
- Matches will be shown live on the Sony Sports Network and streamed on SonyLIV, reinforcing the competition’s role as a platform to showcase emerging Indian football talent to a national audience.