Durand Cup to See Prize Money Pool Grow Three Times to ₹3 Cr

The 134th IndianOil Durand Cup Organizing Committee (DCOC) announced that the total cash prize money pool of this year’s tournament will increase three times to Rs 3 crore. The announcement was made during the trophy unveiling ceremony in Kolkata. Along with the winners and runners up, teams reaching the semi-finals and quarterfinals along with three individual awards will also receive a share of the prize pool.

The three trophies of the Durand Cup were showcased here at AOI Vijay Durg in the presence of power minister Aroop Biswas, who was the chief guest of the event. Also present were Rajesh Kumar Sinha, principal secretary, housing, youth services & sports, disaster management & civil defence department, Lt Gen Mohit Malhotra, Chief of Staff HQ Eastern Command and chairman Durand Cup Organising Committee and Maj Gen Rajesh Arun Moghe, General Officer Commanding Bengal Sub Area and vice-chairman of Durand Cup Organising Committee.

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The three glittering pieces of silverware, the Durand Cup, the original prize and the rolling Shimla Trophy (presented by residents of Shimla in 1904), as well as the President’s Cup which the winners keep permanently, were unveiled by the dignitaries.

Speaking on the occasion, Aroop Biswas said: “With increased media coverage planned for the Durand Cup and the chief minister, Mamata Banerjee gracing the grand finale on 23 August, 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.”

Lt Gen Mohit Malhotra said: “I am delighted to announce that this year the tournament has significantly ramped up its prize structure, from under Rs 1.2 cr in the past to over Rs 3 cr now. In addition, three brand-new SUVs for the three individual award winners will also be presented.”