Durand returns to original home

The proposed re-structuring of Indian football has led to the demise of the traditional knock out tournaments that sustained the game in the country during the 20th century. The Rovers Cup (Mumbai) and DCM tournament (Delhi) have closed down. The IFA Shield in Kolkata is now a lacklustre U-19 event.

Fortunately the Durand Cup, India’s oldest tournament, has survived the winds of change. It is the only survivor of an age gone by. The 128th edition of the tournament kicks off on August 28, with an enthralling Pool A match between Sporting Clube de Goa and the latest franchise team in the country, DSK Shivajians at Ambedkar Stadium.

The organisers have massively increased the prize money by roping in sponsors. The 128th Durand tournament has the highest ever prize fund worth Rs 75 lakh. The winning team will get Rs 45 lakh, the runners-up Rs 20 lakh and the losing semi-finalists Rs 5 lakh each. The winning team of the 2013 Durand tournament, Mohammedan Sporting, got Rs 25 lakh.

After a brief sojourn in Goa, the Durand football tournament has returned to its original home, Delhi. It was last held here in 2013. In 2014 it was shifted to Goa and last season it was not held. The 128th edition will be held simultaneously at the Ambedkar and Harbaksh Singh Stadiums from August 28 to September 11. Overall, 12 teams, divided into two groups are participating. The top two from each group will reach the knock out semi-finals.

Despite strenuous efforts popular I-League teams like 16-times champions Mohun Bagan and East Bengal and current I-league champions Bengaluru FC, are not participating. The Kolkata clubs are currently playing in their local league and their fixtures were not altered despite repeated requests by the Durand organisers.

Bengaluru FC are concentrating on their AFC Cup quarter-finals and hence declined the invitation. Mumbai FC and Shillong Lajong also declined to come, stating their teams were not ready.

There are only three I-League first division participants, Sporting Clube de Goa, DSK Shivajians and Aizawl FC (both debutants). Hence five teams have been roped in from the second division, Dempo SC, Minerva FC, Neroca FC, Gangtok Himalayan and Real Kashmir FC.

Except for 2006 Durand champions Dempo, the other four are making their debut. So of the 12 participants, six are playing in the historic Durand tournament for the first time. The remaining four teams are from the Services, Army Red, Army Green, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy.

SCG, DSK Shivajians and Minerva Football club are formidable in Pool A and any two could qualify for the semi-finals. Minerva FC could be the dark horse of the tournament, as they topped the Western Conference of the 2nd Division, I-League, ahead of Dempo, finishing with 19 points from eight matches. From Pool B, Aizawl FC and Dempo are favoured to reach last four but newcomers Neroca FC (Manipur) are also formidable.

Except for Dempo, none of the other clubs have won the tournament. So a new winner could emerge.