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. She highlighted that new teams including one from Sri Lanka would compete this year for the Durand Cup, the President's Cup, and the Shimla Trophy, expressing confidence that this inclusion would make the historic competition more popular.
The President described football as one of the most popular sports globally, representing excellence, unity, and sportsmanship. She referenced the ongoing FIFA World Cup where world's best teams compete to enhance football prestige in their nations, noting that football brings people together and inspires sports enthusiasts. The President acknowledged that India still has a long journey ahead to establish a presence on the global football stage but expressed hope that the tournament would play a significant role in nurturing football talent.
Murmu emphasized that sporting spirit teaches values of equality, cooperation, and remaining steadfast in adverse circumstances. She connected these values to India's goal of transforming into 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, expressing confidence that citizens will succeed in achieving this goal by standing united, similar to how football players support one another in their team's march to victory.
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