Shillong, Jun 25: The 135th edition of the Durand Cup will begin on 25th July with Shillong returning as one of the co-host cities.
Asia’s oldest football tournament and the world’s third-oldest surviving football competition will once again bring together 24 teams, including two foreign sides, across five host cities, a press release stated today. The final will be held on 23rd August.
Though there is still no word on which teams will be taking part, fans can expect local representation, with Shillong Lajong featuring again. Nongkseh and Langsning, winners and runners-up of the recently-concluded Meghalaya State League, have also been put forward by the MFA to take part.
Lajong were semifinalists last year, falling to eventual champions NorthEast United.
The other co-hosts are Kolkata, Ranchi, Guwahati and Imphal. This will be Ranchi’s debut as host city.
Organised by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army on behalf of the three Services, the tournament remains unique in bringing together Services teams and some of India’s leading football clubs. In recent editions, the competition has also featured foreign participation, including Army teams from neighbouring nations.
(File photo)