The Army on behalf of the Three Service Chiefs is all set to host the 129th Durand Cup Football Tournament, the third oldest football competition in the world from 02 August to 24 August 2019 at the ‘Mecca of Football’, Kolkata.
Durand was in real sense the National Football Tournament of the country, which was presented by the President of India to the winning team. This powerful inventory was a national brand and all along has been managed by the three Services and in particular by the Army.
To rediscover its lost glory the three Service Chiefs have joined hands and they wish to field the best of 12 Indian Super League teams/ I League teams, four regional / Services teams. This will inject some serious competitive spirit.
Photo during Durand Cup 2016
There are also plans to broadcast live this event through Star Sports. Further they are also in sync with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) so as to have this event scheduled as a serious sporting event in the annual calendar of this national regulatory body.
Features of Durand Cup 2019 –
(a) Durand Cup will be played from 02 to 24 August 2019.
(b) 16 Teams, 6 from ISL and 6 from I League and Four from the Defence Services will compete in a League cum Knock Out format of consisting of 4 Groups of 4 Teams each.
(c) Venues for the same will be Kolkata, Kalyani and Siliguri.
(d) Kolkata venues will be Stadiums of East Bengal, Md Sporting and Mohun Bagan and YBK stadium.
(d) Tournament commands a Prize Money of Rs 75 Lakhs.
(e) The Tournament has complete enthusiastic support of the State Govt.
(f) It has been scheduled in consultation and support of the AIFF and FSDL.