Shillong, Aug 26: Shillong Lajong have received (or will receive once the cheque clears) Rs 25 lakh as losing semifinalists of the Durand Cup 2025.
Earlier this year, the Durand Cup Organising Committee had announced a 250% increase in prize money, raising the pool from Rs 1.2 crore in the previous edition to a tournament-record Rs 3 crore this season.
On Friday, a day before the final, the committee revealed the full breakdown.
The champions – eventually NorthEast United – received Rs 1.21 crore, which is 40% of the prize money pool. Diamond Harbour, the runners-up, are to receive Rs 60 lakh (20% of the pool), the two losing semifinalists (Lajong and East Bengal) Rs 25 lakh (8.3%) each and losing quarterfinalists (Indian Navy, Bodoland FC, Jamshedpur FC and Mohun Bagan) Rs 15 lakh (5%) each.
In addition, individual awards for Best Player, Highest Scorer and Best Goalkeeper were to receive Rs 3 lakh each, plus a brand-new SUV.
Rs 25 lakh is one of the biggest (if not the biggest) cash awards Lajong have earned across the various leagues and tournaments the club has taken part in over the years. Still, it will probably only cover a fraction of SLFC’s annual costs.
(Representative photo)