The 135th edition of the Durand Cup commenced in Kolkata in August 2026 — making it the oldest football tournament in Asia, founded in 1888 during British India. Named after Sir Henry Mortimer Durand (Foreign Secretary of India 1884-1894), the tournament features clubs from the Indian Super League (ISL), I-League, and Indian Army teams. The Durand Football Tournament Society and Army Welfare jointly organise it. Kolkata is India's football heartland, home to East Bengal and ATK Mohun Bagan. The Durand Cup holds the distinction of being the third oldest football tournament in the world.
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135th Durand Cup 2026 Kicks Off in Kolkata — Asia's Oldest Football Tournament Founded in 1888
Key Points
- The 135th edition of the Durand Cup commenced in Kolkata in August 2026 — making it the oldest football tournament in Asia, founded in 1888 during British India
- Named after Sir Henry Mortimer Durand (Foreign Secretary of India 1884-1894), the tournament features clubs from the Indian Super League (ISL), I-League, and Indian Army teams
- The Durand Football Tournament Society and Army Welfare jointly organise it
- Kolkata is India's football heartland, home to East Bengal and ATK Mohun Bagan
- The Durand Cup holds the distinction of being the third oldest football tournament in the world
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📎 Read original source ↗Exam Note
• Durand Cup 2026: 135th edition; Asia's oldest football tournament; Kolkata; commenced August 2026 • Founded: 1888 (British India); named after Sir Henry Mortimer Durand (Foreign Secretary) • Participants: ISL clubs + I-League clubs + Indian Army teams • Durand Cup: 3rd oldest football tournament in the world (after FA Cup 1871 and Fa Caledonian Cup 1877)
