Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has obtained the exclusive broadcasting rights for the Durand Cup in India from 2023 to 2024. Over the next two years, SPN will showcase the prestigious football tournament, which is currently in its 132 edition, on its sports channels in India and neighboring countries like Afghanistan, the Maldives, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.

According to a press release, the 132 edition of the Durand Cup is set to commence on August 3, 2023, featuring 43 thrilling matches among 24 teams, an increase from last year’s 20 teams. The finals are scheduled for September 3, 2023. Audiences can enjoy live coverage of the tournament on Sony Sports Ten 2 channels, and the matches will also be available for exclusive live streaming on SPN’s premium OTT platform, SonyLIV.

Established in 1888, the Durand Cup holds the distinction of being Asia’s oldest football tournament and the third-oldest worldwide. Initially founded by Sir Henry Mortimer Durand, the then Foreign Secretary to the Government of India, this unique competition brings together teams from the Indian Super League, I-League, other divisions, and even the Armed Forces, to compete against each other.

The Durand Football Tournament Society (DFTS), presided over by the Chief of Defense Staff, along with the Vice-Presidents from the Army, Air Force, and Navy, oversees the iconic tournament. Currently organized by Eastern Command and conducted by the Indian Army on behalf of the three Services, the event carries a distinctive tradition of awarding three glittering trophies to the winners: the Durand Cup (a rolling trophy and the original prize), the Shimla Trophy (also a rolling trophy presented by the residents of Shimla in 1904), and the President’s Cup (a permanent retention trophy presented by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, India’s first President, in 1956).

The participating 24 teams in the 132 Edition have been grouped into six groups of four teams each. Kolkata will host matches for three of these groups, while Guwahati and Kokrajhar in Assam will host two and one group, respectively. Quarterfinal matches will take place in Guwahati and Kokrajhar, with the rest of the knockout games held in Kolkata. Notably, this year’s edition marks the return of foreign teams after a 27-year gap, with the Army teams from Nepal and Bangladesh also confirming their participation.

Football enthusiasts can look forward to some captivating derbies during the tournament. Notable clashes include the Kolkata derby between Mohun Bagan SuperGiants and Emami East Bengal, which is one of the most significant footballing rivalries worldwide. Other exciting fixtures comprise the Kerala derby between Kerala Blasters and 2019 champions Gokulam Kerala, as well as the southern derbies featuring Hyderabad FC against Chennaiyin FC and champions Bengaluru FC against Gokulam Kerala. Additionally, the North-East derby will showcase a showdown between North-East United FC and Shillong Lajong.

In the previous 131 edition, Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri led Bengaluru FC to victory against Mumbai City FC in a thrilling final held at Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK), which will once again serve as the venue for this year’s final. It was in this tournament that Sunil Chhetri was first spotted, making it a memorable event for him and his team.