The 134th edition of the Durand Cup began recently in Kolkata, reaffirming its status as the oldest football tournament outside the British Isles. Established in 1888, the Durand Cup holds a special place in Indian football history. It was once the most prestigious football competition in India. The tournament reflects the colonial past and evolving sports culture in the country.
Origins During British Raj
The Durand Cup was founded by Sir Mortimer Durand, a British diplomat, in 1888. It started as a recreational event for British troops stationed in India. The first tournament featured six British and two Scottish regimental teams. Until 1940, it was held every September in Shimla, the summer capital of British India. Matches were grand events with military bands, colourful pennants, and the Viceroy awarding prizes. The tournament symbolised British military and social culture.
Indian Teams’ Entry and Early Challenges
Indian civilian teams joined the tournament in 1922 when Mohun Bagan participated. Initially, barefoot Indian players struggled against well-equipped British regiments. To encourage Indian participation, a secondary competition called the Little Durand or ‘Chhota Durand’ was introduced in 1937 for teams eliminated early. In 1940, Mohammedan Sporting became the first Indian team to win the Durand Cup, defeating the Royal Warwickshire Regiment before a crowd of 100,000 in Delhi.
Post-Independence Phase and Growing Indian Dominance
The tournament resumed in 1950 after interruptions caused by World War II and India’s independence. The President of India took over the role of awarding the trophy, continuing the tradition set by the Viceroy. Indian Army regimental teams remained active, but civilian clubs dominated. Mohun Bagan and East Bengal emerged as the most successful teams with 17 and 16 titles respectively. Other notable winners included the Border Security Force and Punjab’s JCT club. Hyderabad City Police was a strong contender during the 1950s and 1960s.
Decline and Contemporary Status
The Durand Cup’s popularity waned from the 1990s as football interest declined in India. The rise of cricket and exposure to international football leagues on television overshadowed the tournament. New domestic leagues like the I-League and Indian Super League further diverted attention. Big clubs began sending weaker teams or skipping the Durand Cup. Since 2019, the tournament has been primarily held in Kolkata, India’s football hub. Today, it serves more as a pre-season event for clubs to test players and tactics rather than a top competitive championship.
Enduring Significance
Despite reduced prominence, the Durand Cup remains a historic symbol of Indian football heritage. It connects colonial military traditions with modern sports culture. The tournament continues to provide opportunities for emerging players and clubs. Its legacy as Asia’s oldest football competition endures, reflecting the evolution of football in India.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss the impact of colonialism on the development of sports in India, with special reference to football and cricket.
- Critically examine the role of institutional sports tournaments like the Durand Cup in shaping national identity and cultural integration in post-independence India.
- Explain the challenges faced by traditional sports tournaments in India in the era of globalisation and commercialisation of sports. How can these challenges be addressed?
- With suitable examples, discuss the influence of media and technology on the popularity and organisation of sports in India, focusing on football and cricket.
