President Murmu kicks off Durand Cup 2026, calls football a force for unity

President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday ceremonially unveiled and flagged off the trophies for the Durand Cup 2026, formally kickstarting preparations for the 135th edition of Asia’s oldest football tournament. The ceremony was held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in the presence of senior military officials, football administrators and dignitaries.

Addressing the gathering, President Murmu said this year’s tournament will see new teams compete for the Durand Cup, the President’s Cup and the Shimla Trophy. She also welcomed the participation of a team from Sri Lanka, expressing confidence that the addition of new sides would make the competition even more competitive while further increasing its popularity.

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The President extended her best wishes to all participating teams and urged players to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship while adding to the rich legacy of one of the world’s oldest football tournaments. She noted that football has the power to bring people together and promote values such as discipline, determination and teamwork.

Highlighting the global appeal of the sport, President Murmu described football as one of the world’s most popular games and a symbol of excellence, unity and sportsmanship. Referring to the ongoing FIFA World Cup, she said the tournament showcases the determination of leading football nations striving to bring pride to their countries while inspiring millions of fans across the globe. She added that football has a unique ability to unite people across cultures and borders, and that outstanding performances by players encourage young athletes to dream bigger and pursue excellence.

The President acknowledged that India still has a long way to go before establishing itself as a major force in world football. However, she expressed confidence that tournaments like the Durand Cup would play a significant role in identifying emerging talent and strengthening the country’s football ecosystem.

The President said the values learned through sport extend far beyond the field of play. According to her, football teaches equality, teamwork, cooperation and resilience — qualities that are equally important in nation-building.

Drawing a link between sport and national development, she said India is moving steadily towards its vision of becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047. She expressed confidence that the country would achieve this goal through the same unity, cooperation and collective effort that football teams display while striving for victory.

President Murmu also welcomed the expansion of the tournament’s footprint, noting that alongside Kolkata, Guwahati, Imphal and Shillong, Ranchi will host Durand Cup matches for the first time this year, taking top-level football to a wider audience.

The ceremony was attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, underscoring the Armed Forces’ enduring association with the prestigious tournament.