Durand Cup boosted with ₹3 Crore prize purse & SUVs for top performers

The 134th edition of the Durand Cup, Asia's oldest football tournament, unveiled an impressive threefold increase in its prize money, raising the total pot to ₹3 Crore during the trophy roll-out ceremony in Kolkata

Alongside reward for winners and runners-up, both semi-finalists and quarter-finalists will also earn a share. In a unique twist, three individual award winners (Best Goalkeeper, Golden Boot, Golden Ball) will each receive a brand-new SUV

Speaking on the occasion Aroop Biswas, said “With increased media coverage planned for the Durand Cup and the Honourable Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee gracing the grand finale on August 23rd, the atmosphere promises to be electric. Ticket allocations for marquee clubs like Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mohammedan SC, and Diamond Harbour FC have also been finalised to ensure strong fan representation. A ticket quota of 5,000 each has been allocated to Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mohammedan SC, and Diamond Harbour FC to ensure a vibrant fan presence in the stands. We wish all the teams the very best as they compete in Asia’s oldest and most prestigious football tournament. Also speaking on the occasion Lt Gen Mohit Malhotra said, “I am delighted to announce that this year the tournament has significantly ramped up its prize structure, from under ₹1.2 Cr in the past to over ₹3 Cr now. In addition, three brand-new SUVs for the three individual award winners will also be presented. This reflects our growing commitment to both rewarding excellence and attracting the best talent from across the nation. With its passionate fans, historic clubs, and unmatched footballing culture, Kolkata remains the spiritual home of the game in India.” Major General Arun Moghe shared his thoughts and added, “This year, the tournament continues with the League-cum-Knockout format that has served us well. A total of 24 teams, divided into six pools, will compete across five states, with two pools playing their matches right here in Kolkata. Kolkata will be hosting 15 matches including one quarter final, semi-final and the grand finals. We are also proud to provide a platform for four promising grassroots teams in 1-Ladakh FC, South United FC, Bodoland FC, and Rangdajied United FC.”

Tournament Overview & Structure

• Starts July 23, concluding in Kolkata on August 23 with the grand finale attended by CM Mamata Banerjee Matches will span five states (Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Jharkhand, plus a fifth state. Kolkata will host two full pools—15 matches in total—including one quarter-final, semi-final, and the final. Games will occur at Salt Lake Stadium (VYBK) and Kishore Bharati Krirangan (KBKGroup A (matches at VYBK) features East Bengal, South United FC, Emami East Bengal FC, Indian Air Force FT, and debutants Namdhari FC.
• Group B (at KBK) includes Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Mohammedan SC, BSF FT, and Diamond Harbour FC. A major Kolkata derby is scheduled for July 31 between Mohun Bagan SG and Mohammedan SC

This landmark increase in prize money, combined with enhanced visibility, expanded geographic reach, and luxury awards for standout players, marks a pivotal moment for the Durand Cup—balancing tradition with modern ambition.