Overview
- Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 PM IST on August 23 at Salt Lake Stadium, with live coverage on Sony Sports Network and streaming on SonyLIV.
- Defending champions NorthEast United return to the final after topping their group and edging Shillong Lajong 1-0 in the semis, with Alaaeddine Ajaraie leading the tournament’s scoring charts.
- Debutants Diamond Harbour reached the final after a 2-1 semifinal upset of East Bengal, featuring Mikel Kortazar’s acrobatic strike and a late winner from Joby Justin under coach Kibu Vicuña.
- Reports note Diamond Harbour are the first team since 1929 to reach the Durand Cup final on debut, a milestone cited across coverage though not independently verified in archives.
- The winners will receive a reported record Rs 1.21 crore, highlighting the expanded 134th edition backed by IndianOil sponsorship and broad national broadcast reach.