Durand Cup 2025 Prize Money Hike, Foreign Teams, and SUV Awards Revealed

Durand Cup 2025 Prize Money Pool Tripled to ₹3 Crore Ahead of July 23 Kickoff

The Durand Cup Organizing Committee (DCOC) revealed an unprecedented Durand Cup 2025 prize money escalation which raised the total cash rewards to ₹3 Crore – three times more than the previous edition.

During the trophy unveiling ceremony in Kolkata the tournament’s opening match between East Bengal FC and South United FC at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on July 23 will mark the start of the event.

What’s New in the Durand Cup 2025 Prize Money Pool?

The oldest football tournament in Asia reaches its 134th edition while its total Durand Cup 2025 prize money pool has increased from ₹1.2 Crore to ₹3 Crore. The money increase applies to both the winners and runners-up together with the following groups:

Winners

Runners-Up

Semifinalists

Quarterfinalists

Individual Awards:

Golden Ball 🏅
Golden Boot ⚽
Golden Glove 🧤

🏎️ Special Prizes: The winners of the three individual awards will receive SUVs as part of their rewards thus making this edition more profitable and competitive.

Also Read: Durand Cup 2025: ISL Crisis Sparks Fresh Lineup, 8 New Teams Step Up—Full List and Date Revealed

Teams to Watch: Army Sides & International Participation

One of the unique features of the Durand Cup is the inclusion of Army and foreign teams, making it truly diverse and inclusive.

Participating Teams (Debutants + Foreign):

Nepal Tribhuvan Army
Malaysian Army Team
Diamond Harbour FC
ITBP
South United FC
One Ladakh
Namdhari FC

This shows the growing international reputation of the tournament and the importance being given to grassroots development in Indian football.

📍 Venue-Wise Group Distribution

The tournament will be held across six cities, each hosting different group-stage matches:

Group	Host City
A & B	Kolkata
C	Jamshedpur
D	Kokrajhar
E	Shillong
F	Imphal

Kolkata, the heart of Indian football, will host 15 matches including:

One Quarterfinal
One Semifinal
The Final

Also Read: Durand Cup 2025 Full Fixture

This emphasizes Kolkata’s significance as the spiritual home of the Durand Cup.

Opening Match: East Bengal vs South United FC

On July 23, the tournament opens spectacularly with a clash of titans between East Bengal FC and South United FC, who also open their own campaign into the tournament. Yuva Bharati Krirangan will host an explosively entertaining opening match for what will hopefully be an entertaining, game-filled month of football.

Where to Watch Durand Cup 2025?

For where football fans can cheer on their teams and watch every match on the Sony Sports Network. Streaming on the Sony Liv app kicks off for those action-seeking digital viewers as well.