President Murmu Unveils Durand Cup 2026 Trophies, Calls for Stronger Push to Indian Football

President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday unveiled the Durand Cup 2026 trophies at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, formally launching preparations for Asia's oldest football tournament while urging greater efforts to nurture young football talent and strengthen India's presence in the global game.

The ceremony was attended by former Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan , Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth , and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan , reflecting the Armed Forces' enduring association with the prestigious tournament.

Addressing players, officials and organisers, President Murmu said the Durand Cup has played a vital role in discovering and shaping generations of footballers. She congratulated everyone associated with the tournament and expressed confidence that this year's edition would further enhance its rich legacy.

The President noted that the 2026 tournament will feature several new teams competing for the Durand Cup , the President's Cup and the Shimla Trophy . Welcoming the participation of a team from Sri Lanka , she said international participation would add greater excitement and further boost the tournament's popularity.

Murmu also welcomed Ranchi as a host city for the first time, alongside Kolkata, Guwahati, Imphal and Shillong . She said taking the competition to new venues would provide promising footballers from different regions with opportunities to showcase their talent while promoting the sport across the country.

Describing football as one of the world's most popular sports, the President said it represents unity, teamwork, excellence and sportsmanship . Referring to the ongoing FIFA World Cup , she said the tournament demonstrates how sporting excellence inspires millions and enhances a nation's reputation on the global stage.

Drawing a parallel between football and India's journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047 , Murmu said success can only be achieved through collective effort and cooperation. While acknowledging that India still has a long way to go before becoming a major force in world football, she expressed hope that the Durand Cup would continue to identify, encourage and nurture the country's next generation of football talent, contributing significantly to the growth of Indian football in the years ahead.