The Durand Cup: A Legacy of Three Trophies

The Durand Cup final pits Mohun Bagan against NorthEast United, with the Green and Maroon Brigade aiming to defend their title. However, a unique tradition surrounding the tournament adds an extra layer of intrigue: the champion receives three trophies. The Durand Cup, established in 1888, is Asia’s oldest football tournament. It initially took place in Shimla, where the ‘Shimla Trophy’ was awarded, before being moved to Delhi. In 1965, the ‘Masterpiece’ trophy, better known as the Durand Cup, was introduced. The third trophy, ‘The Pride,’ or the ‘President’s Cup’ was named after the first President of India, Rajendra Prasad. While the Durand Cup is the primary trophy, the others add to the historical significance and prestige of the competition.