Overview

• The 134th Durand Cup’s group stage began on July 23 across five states, with 24 teams divided into six groups.
• East Bengal secured a commanding 5-0 victory over debutant South United FC, with goals from Lalchungnunga, Saul Crespo, Bipin Singh, Dimitrios Diamantakos and Naorem Mahesh Singh.
• Negotiations between the All India Football Federation and Football Sports Development Limited remain unresolved, leaving the next Indian Super League season’s launch in doubt.
• Tournament prize money has been increased to ₹3 crore under IndianOil’s sponsorship, marking a threefold rise from the previous edition.
• Foreign military teams from Malaysia and Nepal, including the Malaysian Armed Forces and Tribhuvan Army FC, add an international dimension to the competition.