Durand Cup: List of Champions and Runners Up From 1950 to 2023

The Durand Cup was first held in Shimla which was a popular retreat for the British back in the day. Sir Henry Durand was recovering from an illness in the hill station and realised the importance of physical health for soldiers in the Army.

There were several army regiments and military units that started the tournament and it became an inter-regiment tournament. They initially only inclined towards playing Hockey given the popularity of the sport in India at that time but football gradually picked up.

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Durand Cup History:

The event itself was a significant deal and people came from all across the country to watch the final. It was also an excellent platform for Indian football clubs to defeat the British regiments which of course, rarely happened at that time.

However, events post World War II that also involved the cancellation and relocation of the tournament ushered in a new era for Indian football.

The Durand Cup was later shifted to Delhi post-1940 and opened for civilian clubs and teams. This brought in the likes of Mohammedan, Salgaocar, East Bengal and all the other legendary I-League teams that have since dominated the proceedings.

It is held every year to attract top Indian teams and players from leagues. The inclusion of ISL and Armed forces teams has helped expand the reach of the tournament.

Durand Cup Winners List:

Most Durand Cup Wins:

Kolkata giant Mohun Bagan is the most successful team in the history of the tournament. They have won it a record 17 times.

Royal Scouts Fusiliers were the first-ever winners and Mohammedan Sporting were the first Indian to win the competition.

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