President Droupadi Murmu Hands Over the Durand Cup to East Bengal FC in a Grand Rashtrapati Bhavan Ceremony

On a bright September afternoon, the Rashtrapati Bhavan’s marble halls echoed with applause as President Droupadi Murmu handed over the coveted President’s Cup of the Durand Cup to the victorious East Bengal Football Club. The moment felt almost cinematic – a historic trophy, a proud club, and the nation’s head of state sharing a simple, sincere handshake.

East Bengal’s joy was still fresh from August, when they thumped arch‑rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant 4‑1 in the final of the 135th Durand Cup at Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. The win not only secured their 17th Durand Cup title but also levelled them with Mohun Bagan on the all‑time roll‑call.

The ceremony gathered an impressive line‑up of dignitaries. Chief of Defence Staff General N.S. Raja Subramani, Chief of Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, and Admiral Krishna Swaminathan all stood alongside the President. Representatives of the Durand Football Tournament Society and the East Bengal squad added to the festive atmosphere.

When the President lifted the silver‑glinting trophy, she smiled and said, “Congratulations to East Bengal FC for a brilliant performance. Your dedication brings pride to Indian football.” The club’s captain, beaming, received the cup on behalf of his teammates, while cameras captured the swarms of reporters, flashing lights, and a sea of red and gold scarves.

Match highlights replayed on the big screen: Bipin Singh opened the scoring in the 10th minute, followed by a dazzling hat‑trick from Edmund Lalrindika (12’, 22’, 44’). Mohun Bagan’s lone reply came from Manvir Singh at the 33‑minute mark, but the tide had already turned.

The Durand Cup, organized by the Indian Army’s Eastern Command, is the world’s third‑oldest football competition, dating back to 1888. This year’s edition featured 24 teams, including a foreign side from the Sri Lankan armed forces, underscoring the tournament’s enduring blend of tradition and international flavor.

For East Bengal fans, the ceremony was a moment of collective catharsis – a chance to celebrate a club that has woven itself into Kolkata’s cultural fabric. The President’s presence added a touch of gravitas, reminding everyone that sport can bridge hearts across the nation.

As the trophy was gently set on a velvet cushion, the crowd rose for a standing ovation. The day closed with a promise: more football, more passion, and perhaps another chapter in the storied rivalry between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan.