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Shillong, July 7: Football fever is set to grip Shillong once again as the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium gears up to host Group E matches of the 134th edition of the prestigious Durand Cup. Local favourites Shillong Lajong FC will kick off their campaign on July 26 against the Foreign Services Team, marking the city's return as a key venue in India's oldest football tournament. Adding further excitement to the local calendar, Shillong will witness a high-voltage derby clash between city rivals Shillong Lajong FC and Rangdajied United FC on July 29 -- a match expected to draw massive local support and reignite one of Northeast India's most passionate football rivalries. Defending champions NorthEast United FC, also placed in Group E, will start their title defence on August 2 against the Foreign Services Team, ensuring that football fans in Meghalaya are treated to top-tier action through the group stage. The 134th Durand Cup will officially kick off on July 23 in Kolkata, where Indian football giants East Bengal FC take on South United FC of Bengaluru at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. In total, 24 teams divided into six groups will battle it out across 43 matches in six cities -- Kolkata, Shillong, Imphal, Jamshedpur, Kokrajhar, and one more venue yet to be confirmed for the knockout rounds. Group winners and the two best second-placed teams will progress to the quarterfinals, scheduled for August 16 and 17, followed by semifinals on August 19 and 20. The final will be held on August 23.While Kolkata will see traditional powerhouses like East Bengal, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, and Mohammedan Sporting in action, Shillong promises to deliver its own brand of flair and passion, with local clubs and regional pride taking centre stage.As Northeast India continues to cement its reputation as a footballing hotbed, the return of Durand Cup action to Shillong is not just symbolic but strategic -- highlighting the region's growing influence on the national football map.
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], January 31 (ANI): Mohun Bagan Super Giant will play Mohammedan SC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Saturday. The Mariners will look to complete a league double over Mohammedan SC, having bagged a 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture on October 5, 2024. If they manage to do so, it will mark the sixth team they have registered a league double over in their first attempt in the ISL, a press release from the ISL stated. Also Read | Which Team Saqib Mahmood is Part of in IPL 2025? Know Details About Which ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jan 31 (SocialNews.XYZ) Troubles mounted for former champions Mumbai City FC as they were held to a goalless draw against East Bengal FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the Mumbai Football Arena here on Friday night. The Islanders played their seventh draw of the season and are positioned sixth with 28 points from 18 matches, as they were unable to find a breakthrough despite holding 62.4% of the possession in this match. This was East Bengal FC's 100th match in the ISL and they have now moved to 10th in the table with 18 points from as many games as a consequence of this ...Read More >
Kerala Sports Minister V. Abdurahiman on Saturday asserted that Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, will visit the state as announced by the government earlier, and that the sponsor has paid the match fee for the event. He said the World Cup winner is likely to come in October or November this year, and they would be treated as state guests. The government would meet their security, accommodation and other facilities. The news would come as a fresh ray of hope for football fans in one of India's surviving football hubs. Earlier, several media reports had claimed that Argentina's scheduled visit ...Read More >
Mumbai, July 11: Indian football, already reeling because of poor results and the plunging ranking of the senior men's team, landed in further turmoil on Friday with the organisers of the Indian Super League putting the 2025-26 edition on hold because of delay in renewal of its contract with the All India Football Federation (AIFF). Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the IMG Reliance subsidiary that organises the Indian Super League (ISL), has put the upcoming 2025-26 season of ISL on hold because of the stalled negotiations over extending its deal with the All-India Football Federati ...Read More >
New Delhi, July 18 (SocialNews.XYZ) FC Goa have confirmed that former India head coach Manolo Marquez will continue to lead the Gaurs in the 2025/26 season through a social media post. The Spaniard was working on a dual role with FC Goa after being appointed the national team head coach in 2024, on a two-year-deal, before season after parting ways with the All India Football Federation. "I was very happy during the previous two seasons, where the team showed consistent improvement each year. The level of organisation that the club operates with is not commonly observed in Indian club footbal ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 31 (ANI): Mumbai City FC were held to a goalless draw against East Bengal FC at the Mumbai Football Arena in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Friday. It was East Bengal FC's 100th match in the ISL and they have now moved to 10th in the table with 18 points from as many games as a consequence of this result, as stated in a release from ISL. The Islanders, on the other hand, played their seventh draw of the season and are positioned sixth with 28 points from 18 matches, as they were unable to find a breakthrough despite holding 62.4% of the possess ...Read More >
New Delhi, July 2 (SocialNews.XYZ) The All India Football Federation have mutually parted ways with national team head coach Manolo Marquez after his tenure saw India fall down to 127 in FIFA rankings. The AIFF executive committee met on Wednesday and approved the decision as per reports. His exit follows after AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey had confirmed that Marquez's tenure will be under review at the said meeting. Despite a poor run of results, concerns finally arose after India's poor start to the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers as the men in blue played out a draw against Bangladesh in the ope ...Read More >
Mumbai, July 11 (SocialNews.XYZ) Indian football, already reeling because of poor results and the plunging ranking of the senior men's team, landed in further turmoil on Friday with the organisers of the Indian Super League putting the 2025-26 edition on hold because of delay in renewal of its contract with the All India Football Federation (AIFF). Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the IMG Reliance subsidiary that organises the Indian Super League (ISL), has put the upcoming 2025-26 season of ISL on hold because of the stalled negotiations over extending its deal with the All-India ...Read More >
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], January 31 (ANI): Mohun Bagan Super Giant will play Mohammedan SC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Saturday. The Mariners will look to complete a league double over Mohammedan SC, having bagged a 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture on October 5, 2024. If they manage to do so, it will mark the sixth team they have registered a league double over in their first attempt in the ISL, a press release from the ISL stated. The Mariners have won 12 games and drawn four times in their 18 league encounters so ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 31 (ANI): Mumbai City FC were held to a goalless draw against East Bengal FC at the Mumbai Football Arena in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Friday. It was East Bengal FC's 100th match in the ISL and they have now moved to 10th in the table with 18 points from as many games as a consequence of this result, as stated in a release from ISL. Also Read | Why Did Harshit Rana Bowling in IND vs ENG 4th T20I 2025 Despite Not Featuring in India's Playing XI? Know Reason. The Islanders, on the other hand, played their seventh draw of the season and are ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jan 31 (VOICE) Troubles mounted for former champions Mumbai City FC as they were held to a goalless draw against East Bengal FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the Mumbai Football Arena here on Friday night. The Islanders played their seventh draw of the season and are positioned sixth with 28 points from 18 matches, as they were unable to find a breakthrough despite holding 62.4% of the possession in this match.This was East Bengal FC's 100th match in the ISL and they have now moved to 10th in the table with 18 points from as many games as a consequence of this result. Ea ...Read More >
Kowloon (Hong Kong), June 8 (UNI) India and Hong Kong, China's meeting on Matchday 2 of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round on June 10 is billed as the highest-stakes clash of Group C as they are the top two ranked sides in the four-team group, and are aiming for the first win of their campaign. Placed in Pot 1 for the qualifiers, India, ranked 127th, got off to a slow start with a draw against Bangladesh in March. Meanwhile, Pot 2 side Hong Kong, ranked 153, could also only manage a point in Singapore, meaning there is still nothing to separate the four sides after th ...Read More >
Imphal, July 10: Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Thursday highlighted the state's legacy as a powerhouse of sports and emphasised the importance of youth engagement through such tournaments. The Governor, while addressing the trophy showcase Ceremony of the 134th Edition Durand Cup 2025 held at City Convention Centre in Imphal, commended the Indian Army's consistent role in promoting sports and national integration. He expressed confidence that the Durand Cup would inspire a new generation of young athletes in the region. Bhalla, former Union Home Secretary, further stated that hosting ...Read More >
Mumbai, July 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) Actor Harshvardhan Rane, who was last seen in 'The Miranda Brothers', is heaping praise on the recently released film 'Saiyaara', and its team. On Saturday, the actor took to the Stories section of his Instagram, and penned a special note for the film and its makers after it witnessed a stellar opening day. He wrote, "Another melodious example of a love story shattering all myths and formulas of the industry. Honest heart wrenching love story wins again in 2025! #Saiyaara". 'Saiyaara', which stars Aneet Padda, and marks the debut of Ahaan Panday, is helmed b ...Read More >
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], July 3 (ANI): FC Bengaluru United (FCBU), one of Karnataka's leading football clubs, has reappointed Nallappan Mohanraj as head coach, ahead of the club's preparations for the upcoming domestic season. A respected figure in Indian football, Mohanraj brings back his deep experience as both player and coach. He holds an AFC 'A' Diploma and has previously coached India's U-19, U-20, and U-23 teams, in addition to leading Tamil Nadu to a Santosh Trophy final round after an eight-year gap, as per a press release from FC Bengaluru United. Also Read | WI vs AUS 2nd Te ...Read More >
Shillong, July 9: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday unveiled the Durand Cup Trophies and flagged off the Trophy Convoy for the 134th edition of this historic tournament. The three glittering pieces of silverware, the Durand Cup, the original prize and the rolling Shimla Trophy (presented by residents of Shimla in 1904), as well as the President's Cup which the winners keep permanently, will be taken on a roadshow, covering Shillong, Nongstoin, and Tura, later in the day. Shillong Lajong FC, Ryntih Sports Club and the Meghalaya Police Football Team are three teams from Meg ...Read More >
Tura, July 12: The iconic Durand Cup trophy arrived in Tura on Friday as part of the ongoing roadshow for the 134th edition of Asia's oldest football tournament. The event, organised by the Indian Armed Forces in collaboration with the Government of Meghalaya, aimed to celebrate the tournament's rich legacy and boost excitement ahead of the matches. The roadshow commenced from the P.A. Sangma Stadium in Dakopgre and passed through key areas of the town including Nazing Bazar, Araimile, Tetengkol, Hawakhana, the offices of the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, before culminati ...Read More >
Kolkata, July 13 (SocialNews.XYZ) East Bengal FC have completed the signing of Indian national team attacker Edmund Lalrindika from Inter Kashi FC on a three-year contract for an undisclosed transfer fee. He will wear jersey number 10. Returning to the Red & Gold Brigade after a five-year hiatus, Edmund previously represented East Bengal during the 2019-20 I-League season, on loan from Bengaluru FC. He showcased his potential with an assist on his debut in a Kolkata derby against Mohun Bagan on January 19, 2020. Unfortunately, an injury in the same game cut his stint short. Excited about his ...Read More >
CHENNAI: The first week of 134th IndianOil Durand Cup promises to be an exciting one with 10 matches slotted across five host cities Kolkata, Jamshedpur, Shillong, Kokrajhar and Imphal from July 23. This was shared by the organising committee of Saturday. Top Indian Super League (ISL) teams Emami East Bengal FC (16-time former winners) and Jamshedpur FC (former ISL League Winners Shield winners) kick-off one after another on the first two match days, while at least three local derbies, featuring other top local contenders like Mohammedan Sporting (former champions), Shillong Lajong FC and Ner ...Read More >
The 134th Durand Cup Organising Committee announced free public entry for all matches in Jamshedpu at the JRD Tata Sports Complex. The Durand Cup Organising Committee (DCOC) of the 134th Durand Cup has officially announced free public entry for all matches in Jamshedpur, starting with a full-capacity opening match at the JRD Tata Sports Complex. All 22,500 seats will be made available through complimentary passes, ensuring an inclusive and festive start to Asia's oldest football tournament. Thi ...Read More >
Indian Football: Manolo Marquez has stepped down as head coach of the Indian men's football team, ending his tenure with the national side by mutual agreement with the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The decision was made official on Wednesday following an AIFF Executive Committee meeting held in New Delhi. Although Marquez still had a year left on his contract, he had expressed his desire to exit the role, prompting the federation to accept his request. "The AIFF and Manolo decided to mutually part ways without any financial implications to any of the two parties. So, he is relieved f ...Read More >
Kolkata, Jul 7 (PTI) East Bengal FC will face South United FC of Bengaluru in the opening match of the 134th edition of Durand Cup football tournament at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan here on July 23. The final of the tournament, which will feature 43 matches across six cities, will be held on August 23. The 24 participating teams have been divided into six groups of four teams each. Each team will face the other three once in the group stage. Six group winners and two best second-placed teams will progress to the quarterfinals, which are set to be held on August 16 and 17. ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], July 11 (ANI): Indian Super League (ISL) side Kerala Blasters FC on Friday announced the departure of Spanish striker Jesus Jimenez by mutual consent. The Spanish striker had joined ahead of the 2024-25 season, tasked with replacing Golden Boot winner Dimitrios Diamantakos. Despite a tough campaign for the team, Jimenez hit the ground running and instantly made his mark. He found the back of the net in nine of his first 12 ISL matches, missing out on the scoresheet just three times during that period. Also Read | Italy National Cricket Team Players: Meet The Squad Which He ...Read More >
Kolkata, Jul 7 (PTI) East Bengal FC will face South United FC of Bengaluru in the opening match of the 134th edition of Durand Cup football tournament at the iconic Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan here on July 23. The final of the tournament, which will feature 43 matches across six cities, will be held on August 23. Also Read | Highest Test Match Aggregates for Batter, From Shubman Gill to Wiaan Mulder; Check Full List. The 24 participating teams have been divided into six groups of four teams each. Each team will face the other three once in the group stage. Six group winners and two b ...Read More >
Kolkata: For the first time, in its vernacular language outreach, the Eastern Command of the Indian Army has started using regional languages, including Bengali, Assamese and Manipuri, on social media handle during its posts on Durand Cup 2025. "Indian Army has started sharing information in vernacular languages in Bengali, Assamese and Manipuri, apart from English and Hindi. It is aimed to connect and reach out to more number of people, especially the non-English speaking people, who are conversant in vernacular languages, so that the information has better reach," CPRO Himanshu Tiwari told ...Read More >
Chandigarh: Punjab chief ministerBhagwant Mann on Thursday said the government will table a bill in the assembly on Friday to introduce harsher punishment for religious sacrilege. However, the law will not be enacted immediately, as the government plans to hold consultations with stakeholders before finalising the legislation.Mann said the decision was taken in a meeting of the cabinet earlier in the day. After the legislation is tabled, Punjab govt will gather suggestions on the law from stakeholders, including religious organisations and people, he added.Sources said said the new legislation ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], July 4 (ANI): The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, unveiled and flagged off the Trophies of the Durand Cup Tournament 2025 at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre here on Friday, as per an official release. In her brief remarks on the occasion, the President said that sports promote discipline, determination and team spirit. Sports have the unique power to connect people, regions and countries. In India, it has been a powerful tool for national integration. All fellow citizens get thrilled when the tricolour flies at the Olympics or any international eve ...Read More >
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], July 17 (ANI): The 134th Durand Cup Organizing Committee (DCOC) announced that the total cash prize money pool of this year tournament will increase three times to ₹3 Crore. The announcement was made during the trophy unveiling ceremony in Kolkata as the City of Joy geared up to host Asia oldest football tournament. Along with the winners and runners up, teams reaching the semi-finals and quarterfinals along with three individual awards will also receive a share of the prize pool, as per a release from Durand Cup. The three trophies of the Durand Cup were showca ...Read More >
Kolkata: The 134th Durand Cup Organizing Committee announced that the total cash prize money pool of this year's tournament will increase three times to Rs 3 crore. This year IndianOil Durand cup, oldest in Asia, will kick off on July 23 and will be played in five states-Assam, Meghalaya, Shillong, Bengal and Jharkhand. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will be present at the grand finale on August 23. Lt Gen Mohit Malhotra AVSM, SM, Chief of Staff HQ Eastern Command and Chairman Durand Cup Organising Committee, said, "I am delighted to announce that this year the tournament has sign ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 18 (PTI) After stepping down as Indian men's football team head coach earlier this month, Spaniard Manolo Marquez on Friday re-joined FC Goa to helm the club for the 2025-26 season. FC Goa announced that Marquez has signed to continue as the head coach for the upcoming season, his third at the club. "No one forgets the Don and the Don never forgets home. Welcome Back Boss," FC Goa posted on their social media handle. "I was very happy during the previous two seasons, where the team showed consistent improvement each year. The level of organisation that the club operates with ...Read More >