President of India Droupadi Murmu unveiled and flagged off the trophies for the Durand Cup Tournament 2026 at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre on July 7, 2026. The President congratulated all past and present officials and players associated with the tournament, noting that it has provided a platform for numerous talented footballers.
This year's competition will feature some new teams including a team from Sri Lanka competing for the Durand Cup, the President's Cup, and the Shimla Trophy. The President expressed confidence that the inclusion of new teams would make this historic competition more popular and conveyed best wishes to all participating teams and players for stellar performances.
The President described football as one of the most popular sports globally, representing excellence, unity, and sportsmanship. She noted that while the ongoing FIFA World Cup features the world's best teams competing to enhance football prestige, India still has a long journey ahead to establish a presence on the global football stage. She expressed hope that the Durand Cup tournament would play a significant role in nurturing football talent in India.
Murmu emphasized that the significance of sporting spirit extends beyond sports, teaching values of equality, cooperation, and perseverance in adverse circumstances. Linking sports to national development, she expressed confidence that citizens would achieve the goal of 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) by 2047 by standing united, similar to how football players support one another in their team's march to victory.
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