The 2025 edition of the Durand Cup, Asia’s oldest football tournament, is set to kick off on July 23 and will continue until August 23. In a major expansion this year, matches will be hosted across five states, including three from the Northeast—Assam, Meghalaya, and Manipur. This is a significant move to promote football in the region, which has consistently produced promising talent and passionate fan bases.
The tournament will also see a record increase in prize money, with the pool tripled to ₹3 crore, underlining the growing stature and commercial appeal of the event. The expansion and increased investment are being seen as efforts to integrate regional football hubs into the national sporting narrative.
Several prominent teams from the Northeast are participating this year. Shillong Lajong from Meghalaya, KAMS and Bodoland from Assam, TRAU and NEROCA from Manipur, Rangdajied United from Meghalaya, and NorthEast United FC are all part of the tournament. Their participation not only boosts local enthusiasm but also reflects the rising standard of football in the region.
With the Northeast known for its deep football culture and enthusiastic spectators, the hosting of Durand Cup matches in Assam, Meghalaya, and Manipur is expected to draw large crowds and high energy. Organizers hope the event will serve as a platform for young players to shine and for the region to further establish itself as a footballing powerhouse in India.
