President Droupadi Murmu Felicitates NorthEast United FC, Durand Cup 2025 Champions, With President's Cup

President Droupadi Murmu felicitated NorthEast United FC (NEUFC), a top-flight club in Indian football, with the prestigious President’s Cup for its victory in the 2025 edition of the IndiaOil Durand Cup, in a grand ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi. The moment was one of immense pride for the champions as they successfully defended the title, bringing joy to the club and its supporters.

In 2024, NorthEast United FC defeated the Mohun Bagan Super Giants to lift the title and went on to record consecutive triumphs after winning the final in 2025.

The President's Cup, instituted in 1956 by India's first President, Dr Rajendra Prasad, is a symbol of excellence and honour, reinforcing the tournament's deep ties with the nation's heritage. NEUFC's victory in the 134th edition of the Durand Cup was an example of the club's dedication and perseverance.

The team defeated Diamond Harbour FC 6-1 in the final, becoming the first team in over three decades to successfully defend the Durand Cup title.  

NorthEast United FC Receive The President's Cup From President Droupadi Murmu 

The Redeem Tlang-led NorthEast United FC secured an emphatic win over Diamond Harbour FC in the final of the 134th edition of the Durand Cup.

NEUFC defeated DHFC with a tremendous 6-1 scoreline at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) in Kolkata.

The North East-based outfit made history after successfully defending the titles, becoming the first team to do so in 34 years.

President Droupadi Murmu presented the President's Cup to NorthEast United FC as the vice chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force attended the prize distribution ceremony.

The trophy was handed over to John Abraham, the Bollywood actor and owner of the NEUFC. Redeem Tlang, captain of the Durand Cup 2025-winning side, was also present on the occasion alongside other club representatives.

Tribute To The Indian Armed Forces

The ceremony celebrated NEUFC's achievement and the enduring legacy of the Indian Armed Forces in nurturing football and strengthening national unity. Speaking on behalf of the club, owner and Bollywood Actor John Abraham expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Murmu for the recognition and lauded the Indian Armed Forces for their pivotal role in preserving the Durand Cup's glorious legacy. "Receiving the President's Cup from the President of India is a moment that will forever be etched in golden letters in the history of NorthEast United FC and Indian football," John Abraham said.

Abraham particularly commended the Eastern Command for elevating the tournament to new heights and for their dedicated efforts in nurturing football talent across the East and North-East. The CEO of NEUFC, Mandar Tamhane, said, "This honour reflects the relentless hard work, discipline, and belief of everyone associated with the club….It is a proud day for us and for the entire Northeast region, and this recognition will only inspire us to reach even greater heights." 

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Members of the Durand Football Tournament Society, the Durand Cup Organising Committee, and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

What Is The Significance Of The President's Cup?

The Durand Cup has a rich legacy in football and is historic in its own right. As one of the world's oldest football tournaments, it has a deep significance that dates back to 1888.

Unlike other football competitions, the Durand Cup features three trophies, which are presented to the winner of the summit clash.

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Just like the Durand Cup and Shimla Trophy, the President's Cup holds its own significance. Nicknamed 'The Pride', it is a rolling trophy that was first introduced in 1950 by then-prime minister Dr Rajendra Prasad. It had replaced the Viceroy's trophy post-independence.

NorthEast United will hold the bragging rights after successfully defending the Durand Cup titles. 

Durand Cup’s History

President Droupadi Murmu formally kicked off the 134th edition of the Durand Cup, Asia's oldest and India's most prestigious football tournament, on July 4, by flagging off the three iconic trophies at the Rashtrapati Bhawan Cultural Centre.

The Durand Cup, with a rich history spanning over a century, has been a proud symbol of India's footballing legacy since its inception in Shimla in 1888. Over the years, the tournament has undergone major transformations, relocating to New Delhi in 1940 and later shifting to Kolkata in 2019 under the Eastern Command's aegis.

This year, the tournament was played across five states, which was the first time the tournament was expanded to this scale. The Durand Cup's uniqueness lies in its prestigious trophies, with the winners receiving the iconic Durand Cup and Shimla Trophy as rolling honours, and the President's Cup, crafted anew each year as a permanent keepsake.

The tournament, organised by the Indian Army on behalf of the three services, serves as a breeding ground for India's finest football talent, strengthening a spirit of competition and excellence that inspires generations of footballers. By promoting discipline, determination, and team spirit, the Durand Cup continued to play a vital role in nurturing India's footballing talent and strengthening national integration.