Durand Cup 2023 Trophy Tour: The three trophies of the132nd edition of Durand Cup 2023 is currently undertaking Trophy tour, with scheduled stops in various cities nationwide. The tournament is set to take place from August 3 to September 3, 2023 in three venues – SAI Training Centre Kokrajhar, Guwahati and Kolkata.
Durand Cup 2023 Trophy Tour Nationwide
The 132nd edition of the Durand Cup 2023 began its “Trophy Tour” on June 30, with a grand flag off at the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi Cantt. The event was attended by esteemed individuals such as General Manoj Pande, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, and Mr. Kalyan Chaubey, the President of the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
Spanning a month-long duration, the Durand Cup 2023 Trophy Tour has already made stops in various cities across the country. As part of the 14-city trophy tour, starting with the inauguration in Delhi, the Durand Cup has visited locations including Dehradun, Udhampur, Pune, Mumbai, Jaipur, Kochi, Ezhimala, Guwahati, Bengaluru, Shillong, Kibithoo (Arunachal Pradesh) and Kokrajhar before concluding in Kolkata on July 05, 2023, where the main event of the tournament will take place.
What sets the Durand Cup apart is its unique tradition of awarding the winning team with three distinguished trophies. The awards are:
| The Durand Cup | The Durand Cup, known as “The Masterpiece,” is a rolling trophy and the original prize. |  |
| The Shimla Trophy | The Shimla Trophy, nicknamed “The Artistry,” was donated by Shimla residents in 1904 to showcase their passion and support for the tournament. It began being awarded as a rolling trophy since 1965. |  |
| The President’s Cup | The President’s Cup, referred to as “The Pride,” is for permanent keep that was introduced by India’s first President in 1956, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, as a replacement for the Viceroy’s Trophy after independence. |  |
The Trophy Tour presents a remarkable platform to celebrate the legacy of the Durand Cup, while also promoting the upcoming tournament. It provides a unique chance for individuals to witness the prestigious trophies associated with the Durand Cup. The tour has already made stops in various cities since its inaugural event in Delhi on June 30th, 2023.
Durand Cup Trophy Tour Kolkata (Host City)
The 132nd Durand Cup Trophies finally reached Kolkata with great celebration after a tour of 14 cities. The trophies arrived at Brigade Parade Ground on July 25, 2023.
The event was graced by the presence of Shri. Aroop Biswas, the Minister in Charge of the Department of Power, Housing, Youth Services, and Sports, Government of West Bengal, and Lt Gen RP Kalita, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, who officially “Flagged-In” the Trophies.
The tour commenced from New Delhi on June 30, 2023, and visited iconic locations, spreading football enthusiasm across the nation.
The ’42 Jump’ event also took place at Brigade Parade Ground (North East of Musical Fountain) at 2:00 PM, by Lt. Col. Satyendra Verma (RETD) and Gp Capt Kamal Singh Oberh (RETD).
Durand Cup Trophy Tour Kokrajhar (Host City)
Today, on July 22, 2023, the highly coveted Durand Cup Trophies made their grand entrance in Kokrajhar (City of Peace). The Kokrajhar organized a special ceremony for unveiling the Trophy of the 132nd edition of the Durand Cup at the Bodofa Cultural Complex, Kokrajhar.
The trophies were later taken to SAI Stadium Kokrajhar, BTC Secretariat, and KDSA for public viewing. A notable moment during the ceremony was the presence of Apurna Narzary, a professional Indian footballer and Captain of the U-20 Indian Women Football Team, hailing from BTR.
To celebrate the occasion, the trophies were accompanied on a tour around the City of Peace by a group of 30 bikers, including 5 skilled female bikers.
Following the trophy unveiling, a Bodo cultural fiesta was held, featuring performances like Bardwi Sikhla folk dance, Bihu dance, and a show by the renowned musician and world record holder, Dr. Gwmwtao Basumatary.
Durand Cup Trophy at Kibithoo | Arunachal Pradesh
On July 20, 2023, a tribute ceremony took place at the General Bipin Rawat Garrison in Kibithoo.
The Durand Trophies were bathed in India’s first rays of sunlight, symbolizing the start of the day.
Kibithoo, a village located in Arunachal Pradesh, holds the prestigious distinction of being the first place in India to welcome the dawn each day.
Durand Cup 2023 Trophy Tour Shillong
The long-awaited Durand Cup 2023 Trophy Tour finally reached Shillong.
It was an extraordinary day when the Durand Cup Trophies graced the occasion, making a stunning appearance travelling by boats on Umiam Lake and Orchid Lake.
The tour continued to captivate everyone at 101 area, State Central Library, and Golflinks.
Durand Cup 2023 Trophy Tour Bengaluru
The city of Bengaluru is filled with joy as the famous Durand Cup trophies arrived on July 18th.
The Army Service Corps Centre and College eagerly welcomed these prestigious trophies, which have garnered a warm reception.
Durand Cup Trophies in Guwahati (Host City)
The Durand Cup Trophies were revealed in Guwahati on July 16th for the 132nd edition of the event.
The trophies were unveiled by the Sports Minister of Assam, Smt. Nandita Gorlosa, and Lt. Gen. R.P. Kalita from the Eastern Command. We invite you to join us for a thrilling three-day tour of the city.
Guwahati, the host city for the 132nd edition of the Durand Cup, will hold the group D and Group E matches at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium. However, there will be two matches that will take place at a different venue.
Durand Cup Trophies in Southern Naval Command, Kochi
The Durand Cup trophies at South Naval Command, Kochi. The famous INS Vikrant, which is India’s own Aircraft Carrier, went on a journey with legendary football players.
They revealed three amazing trophies and celebrated the love and success of Indian football. The trophy tour began with the presence of Rear Admiral Susheel Menon and the football legend Shri I M Vijayan.
Durand Cup Trophies in Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala
The Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy (INA) unveiled the prestigious Durand Cup trophy at historical locations in Ezhimala.
The goal is to inspire and energize people. This gesture represents the coming together of military excellence, sportsmanship, and physical fitness as an important part of a healthy lifestyle.
Durand Cup Trophies in ‘Pink City’ Jaipur
The 132nd Edition of the Durand Cup arrived in Jaipur, also known as the ‘Pink City,’ on July 9th.
The Trophy Tour was warmly welcomed, marking a significant moment in the history of Indian Football. It visited iconic places like Amer Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, Vidhan Sabha, Amar Jawan Jyoti, Partika Gate, and Albert Hall.
The press conference for this special Trophy Tour took place at the impressive Rajasthan International Convention Center.
Durand Cup Trophies in Mumbai
The historic Durand Cup Trophies arrived in Mumbai, also known as the City of Dreams, on July 8th, 2023.
The Army Officers Institute (AOI) in Colaba received the three magnificent Durand Trophies. These trophies were then displayed at well-known places like the Gateway of India and the popular Marine Drive.
Durand Cup Trophies in Pune
The 132nd Edition of the Durand Cup 2023 Trophy Tour made its first appearance in Pune on July 6th.
The National Defence Academy (NDA) hosted a grand reception for the Trophy Tour, which marked a remarkable moment in the history of Indian Football.
Durand Cup Trophies in Udhampur
The 132nd Edition of the Durand Cup 2023 Trophy Tour in Udhampur was on July 4th, 2023.
The city witnessed an impressive event in front of the Dhruva Auditorium, which marked the beginning of Udhampur’s football legacy as it hosted the Trophy Tour for the first time.
Durand Cup Trophies in Dehradun
The 132nd Edition of the Durand Cup started its Trophy Tour at the Indian Military Academy, Cradle of Military Leadership, in Dehradun on July 2nd, 2023.
It was a significant moment as Asia’s oldest football tradition made its way through the respected grounds of the academy, leaving a lasting impression in front of the famous Chetwood building.
Durand Cup Trophies at Rashtrapati Bhavan & India Gate, Delhi
The Durand Cup Trophies arrived in Delhi, the capital city on June 30, 2023.
A grand Durand Cup 2023 Trophy Tour took place in front of historic landmarks like Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate, marking the start of the 132nd Edition of the Durand Cup.
About Upcoming Durand Cup 2023 Tournament
The Durand Cup, which is Asia’s oldest and the world’s third oldest football tournament, attracts participation from leading Indian football clubs across the nation. Organized by the Indian Armed Forces, the Durand Cup has served as a significant platform for nurturing India’s top footballing talent over the years. Its inaugural edition took place in Shimla in 1888, initially restricted to the British Indian Army troops before gradually allowing civilian teams to compete.
Durand Cup 2023: The tournament, starting on August 3, 2023, and ending on September 3, 2023, will have 24 teams competing, which is four more than the previous edition. It includes all 12 teams from the Indian Super League (ISL), 5 teams from the I-League, 3 teams from the armed forces, and 1 local team called Bodoland FC. Additionally, service teams from neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal will participate, bringing foreign involvement to this historic tournament after a 27-year break.
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FAQs
1. What is the purpose of the Durand Cup Trophy Tour?
The purpose of the Durand Cup Trophy Tour is to generate excitement and anticipation for the tournament by showcasing the trophy at various locations. It allows fans and supporters to get a glimpse of the trophy and builds momentum for the upcoming matches.
2. When is Durand Cup 2023 starting?
The tournament, starting on August 3, 2023, and ending on September 3, 2023, will have 24 teams competing, which is four more than the previous edition.